The paper traces back the origin of the terms centre and periphery commonly used nowadays to account for asymmetries in language. Two sources are identified, namely field theory and Prague linguistic circle. The paper reveals theoretical background of those notions in both academic traditions. It is shown that the interpretation of the terms rests on metaphors; in particular, field theory relied largely on spatial static images, whereas Czech scholars employed more complex force-dynamics metaphors. Cognitive studies have offered yet another perspective on the notions concerned. Drawing on the prototype theory, centre has come to be associated with the category’s best example and periphery with its non-prototypical members. Thus, terms being the same, their background and implications differed significantly.