Essential Cue Sports Jargon and Expressions

Every sport develops its own language, and cue sports like billiards, pool, and snooker are no exception. You might have noticed players speaking in terms that leave outsiders puzzled. If you’ve used such slang yourself, this guide is for you! If you’re new to the scene, let us introduce you to common phrases, slang, and catchphrases used in pool halls, especially in Florida.

Passing by a busy pool room and overhearing talk about "action" might make you wonder. What they refer to is betting or gambling on the game. Betting on a player’s performance is often called "playing the action" or "sweating the action," meaning players are wagering and waiting for the outcome.

Another term you'll hear is "speed," which doesn’t refer to quickness but rather how well a player performs. "Top speed" indicates peak performance. "Shark" refers to an experienced player trying to distract or stall an opponent during their shot. The phrase "nut" or "stone cold"—also known as "the Brazilians"—describes a player who is heavily favored to win, almost a guaranteed victory. When the ball hits a side pocket, players say it "ran straight into the t*ts." To describe a player intentionally performing below their ability, you might hear "to lemonade" or "go lemon."

Because cue sports are popular worldwide, different regions have their own jargon. In England, words related to "balls," like "balls to the wall" or "bust the balls," are common phrases during play.

During a match, players often use specific terms to describe their shots, wins, or losses. Next time you visit a Florida pool hall, try fitting in with some of this lingo and play it cool!