Where does the term "nerf" come from?

Thanks

Nerf came from the popular childrens sports equipment. It was meant to soften the footballs/baseballs ect...which in terms would weaken the appeal to adults. So basically they are taking real footballs and nerfing them.

with the emphasis on weaken...

Ahh... okay thanks. I thought it was an acronym. I really loved those nerf turbo footballs... ahh the memories

Nearly Everthing Remains Fucked.