When I first started playing pool (more than casually) my head would spin sometimes at all the slang and niche terms involved in the sport. Below, I’ve compiled a list of all the slang I’ve learned over the years and what they mean or refer to – which sometimes can be more than one thing depending on the situation its being used in. I’ve also added in basic pool terms (slang or not) which anyone playing the sport – especially more than once every once in a while – should know.

Action – Refers to the gambling activity that takes place in pool games, especially where there’s a high level of betting and wagering involved. Could also be used to note a player who seemed likely to get out making a mistake or getting a bad roll on the table that results in a difficult next shot – stating that their opponent has action – a chance to still win – as a result of the mistake.

APA – Stands for the American Poolplayers Association, the largest pool league in the world. The APA organizes leagues and tournaments across various skill levels, using a handicap system to level the playing field among players

Bad hit – A term used when a player fails to make a legally required contact between the cue ball and the object ball.

Bad Roll / Unlucky Roll – This term is used when a player executes a technically sound shot, but the cue ball ends up in an unfavorable position due to it overrolling, underrolling, or moving in an unexpected manner. The phrase often suggests that the undesirable outcome was due to luck rather than a flaw in the player’s shot execution

Ball in hand – A rule that allows a player to place the cue ball anywhere on the table, usually awarded after the opponent commits a foul.

Bank out – Refers to an agreement between players to bank their final ball during a match, regardless of whether a more straightforward shot is available.

Bank shot – A shot where the cue ball hits an object ball into the cushion with the intention that it rebounds off the rail to pocket the object ball.

BCA – Stands for Billiard Congress of America, which sets official rules for pool games in the United States. Many pool players play by BCA rules, even if they are not in a BCA sanctioned game or tournament.

Behind the line – A rule applied after a foul where the cue ball must be placed behind the head string, usually within a specific area marked by the second diamond from the breaking side. Also referred to by some as In the Kitchen.

Break and run – Occurs when a player breaks the rack and continues to pocket all the required balls until winning the game without letting the opponent shoot.

Bridge – Refers to the hand formation used to support and stabilize the cue stick during a shot in pool.

Bridge (Accessory) – A tool used in pool to extend the reach or provide support for the cue stick when the cue ball is too far away or in an awkward position to use a hand bridge comfortably. Also referred to as a bridge stick.

Call shot – A rule requiring players to specify the intended pocket and ball before each shot. If the called shot is not made as declared, and instead goes into an undeclared pocket, the ball remains pocketed, but the player loses their turn, allowing the next player to shoot.

Cheese – Commonly used in 9-ball to describe a scenario where a player opts for a combo shot on the 9-ball to win the game, bypassing the need to pocket all other balls in sequence. If an opponent calls “no cheese” prior to the start of a match, they are saying an out of sequence combo shot cannot be used for the win.

Chop the Pot – When two players in a final match agree to split the winnings regardless of the game’s outcome. Most frequently done at the end of a long tournament where the final players agree to split the money vs. playing the match to declare a first and second place.

Clean – Describes a requirement in some casual bar rules that the eight-ball must be pocketed without touching any other balls.

Cue ball control – Refers to a player’s skill in manipulating the position and spin of the cue ball to set up for subsequent shots.

Cut – A shot where the cue ball strikes the object ball at an angle to direct it toward the intended pocket.

Dog (the nine) – Refers to missing an easy shot on the nine ball due to pressure. Dog or dogged in general is also be used to describe a miss on any easy shot.

Dollar on the out – A casual wager, often just $1, on whether a player can successfully make a declared shot. If the player fails, they pay the bettor; if successful, the bettor pays the player.

Double Dip – In tournament play, this term refers to a situation where a player coming from the losers’ bracket wins two consecutive matches against an undefeated player in the finals. The “double dip” is necessary because the tournament is double elimination, meaning a player isn’t out until they lose twice. Thus, the player from the losers’ bracket must “dip” twice into the finals to claim the championship, defeating the undefeated player twice.

Double Elimination – A tournament format where each participant is allowed two losses before being eliminated from the competition. Players move through the winners’ bracket until they lose a match, at which point they are moved to the losers’ bracket. A second loss in the losers’ bracket results in elimination from the tournament. This format allows for a chance at redemption and ensures that a player must lose twice before being fully out of the tournament.

Double Hit – This term is used when the cue stick makes contact with the cue ball twice in a single stroke. This usually happens if the player does not pull the cue back quickly enough after the initial hit. A double hit is considered a foul in most pool games.

Double Kiss – Occurs when the cue ball strikes an object ball and then, due to their close proximity or the angle of the shot, the object ball rebounds off a rail or another ball and makes contact with the cue ball a second time. This is a foul shot in most pool games.

Draw – A type of spin placed on the cue ball by striking it below center, causing it to reverse direction after hitting the object ball.

Early 8 – Occurs when a player accidentally pockets the 8-ball before clearing their group of balls, resulting in an immediate loss of the game.

Eight and Out – In one-pocket pool, a situation where a player pockets eight balls in a row to win the game.

Elevated Bridge – A technique where the back of the hand is raised to elevate the cue stick, usually used to clear an obstructing ball.

English – The spin applied to the cue ball by striking it off-center, used to control the cue ball’s rebound off cushions and contact with object balls. There are numerous types of english, such as top, left, bottom, etc.

Even up – Settling debts or evening the score in a gambling context before continuing the game.

Extension/Extender – A tool used in pool to extend the reach for the cue stick when the cue ball is too far away or in an awkward position to use a hand bridge comfortably. Extenders screw in to the bottom of pool cue and can be added or removed at will. Not all pool cues are compatible with an extension.

Fargo (rating) – Refers to the FargoRate system, which is a global rating system for cue sports players. Many tournament directors rely on these ratings, especially for unknown (to them) players. A Fargo rating has to have a certain level of robustness (number of games reported to the system) for the rating to be considered reliable or accurate.

Fat – Describes a shot where the cue ball hits the object ball with more fullness than intended.

Front runner – A player who performs well when leading in the score but may struggle to come from behind.

Follow – Spin placed on the cue ball by striking it above center, causing it to continue rolling forward after contact with an object ball.

Follow Up – A rule where, after the break, the player must pocket another specifically called ball to continue their turn. If they fail to pocket the called ball even if other balls were made on the break, the table remains open.

Foul – Any infraction of the game’s rules resulting in a penalty, often leading to ball in hand for the opponent.

Frozen – When a ball is in direct contact with a cushion or another ball, affecting shot options.

Get Out – A term used to describe the act of winning a game, especially in situations where there has been significant back-and-forth play between opponents. It’s not typically used for describing straightforward wins like a table run or break and run.

Ginned it – A term used to describe a difficult shot being made successfully. Used most often when it was highly against the odds that the player would be able to make the shot.

Good Hit – Refers to a shot being executed without any foul occurring.

Handicap – In pool, a handicap is a system used to level the playing field between players of different skill levels. It adjusts the scoring or conditions of the game to give less experienced players a fair chance against more skilled opponents. Handicaps can involve giving a player extra points at the start, allowing them to win with fewer pocketed balls, or other modifications that balance the competitive advantage.

Hanging in the pocket – Describes a ball that is very close to falling into a pocket but remains on the table edge.

High Balls / Low Balls – Refers to the suit of ball in an 8-ball match. Stripes are sometimes referred to as high balls due to the numbers on them being 9-15. Solids are sometimes referred to as low balls due to their number set ranging from 1-7. The 8-ball is considered neutral.

Hill/hill – A situation in match play where both players need only one more game to win the match, also called “double hill.”

Hold your man – Ensuring that the next player in a rotational or ring game does not have an easy start or good shot.

Hook(ed) – When a player leaves their opponent without a direct shot on the intended object ball, typically after a safety shot. Players can also hook themselves by accident.

House rules – Specific rules adopted by a particular venue that may differ from standard or official billiards regulations.

Hustle – Misrepresenting one’s skill level to gain a betting advantage, often considered deceptive.

In the kitchen – A rule applied after a foul where the cue ball must be placed behind the head string, usually within a specific area marked by the second diamond from the breaking side. Also referred to by some as Behind the Line.

Jack and Jill – Refers to a doubles format where teams are composed of one male and one female player.

Jump shot – A shot where the cue ball is intentionally struck below center to make it jump over an obstructing ball; considered illegal in some rule sets.

Kick shot – A shot where the cue ball is hit to a rail first before making contact with the target object ball.

Lag shot – A technique used to determine who breaks; players hit balls from the head string to the foot cushion, aiming to get their balls closest to the head rail after bouncing off the foot rail.

Last Lady – A term typically used in tournaments to refer to the last female player to get knocked out of the tournament. Some tournaments will offer a prize (typically the smallest of all payouts) to the last lady if a predetermined set number of women play in the tournament. Also referred to as the last woman standing.

Last two – A type of handicap in games like 9-ball where the weaker player can win by pocketing any of the last two balls, treated as if they were the 9-ball. The number of balls can be two, three or whatever the players agree on.

Last pocket – A rule where the final ball to win the game must be pocketed in the same pocket as the last ball the player made.

Massé Shot – An advanced pool shot where the cue ball is struck with extreme spin at a sharp angle. The cue is typically held nearly vertical, and the ball is hit forcefully on its side. This action causes the cue ball to curve dramatically in a controlled arc. Considered illegal in some rule sets.

Miscue – An error where the cue stick slips or fails to properly contact the cue ball, often due to insufficient chalk on the tip or an incorrect stroke.

Money ball – The critical ball that when legally pocketed leads to winning the game, such as the nine-ball in nine-ball pool games.

(the) Nuts – In gambling, a situation where a player cannot lose; having the best possible position or advantage.

On the hill – When a player needs only one more game to win the match.

Open Table – Occurs when no follow-up shot successfully pockets a called ball after the break if follow up is required to designate your suit. The next player has the freedom to aim at any suit to claim it, setting their group for the remainder of the game.

(the) Out – Refers to a planned sequence or pattern of shots that, if executed correctly, enables a player to pocket all remaining balls in one turn without allowing the opponent another shot.

Out of stroke – A phrase indicating that a player is performing below their usual skill level, often due to lack of practice or psychological factors.

Pattern play – The strategy of planning several shots ahead, selecting the order of balls to be pocketed to maintain control of the table.

Race (to) – A format where players compete to reach a predetermined number of game wins first, commonly used in tournament play.

Rack – While this is also an accessory (see below), a Rack in pool can also signify a single game between players. If you’re playing a set to 3, the second game in that series, no matter who wins, might be referred to as the second rack.

Rack (Accessory) – Refers to the triangle or diamond shaped accessory used to setup the pool balls prior to the break. Can be made of plastic, wood, or various types of metal.

Ring game – A non-traditional game involving more than two players, where each player takes turns shooting, often for money.

Roll – A term used when the balls, particularly the cue ball, behave favorably for the player, typically due to the natural lie of the table.

Run out – Successfully pocketing all the required balls during one turn at the table.

Safety – A strategic defensive shot designed to hinder the opponent’s play by leaving them without a direct or straightforward shot on any object ball. The primary intent of a safety is not to pocket a ball but to place the opponent in a challenging position, complicating their next move.

Sandbagging – Refers to the practice of deliberately playing below one’s actual skill level to manipulate handicaps or to gain a more favorable match-up in future games. Someone who is sandbagging may be referred to as a sandbagger.

Scotch Doubles – A doubles format in pool where team members alternate taking shots within a single turn. This continues as long as shots are made successfully. If a player misses, the turn switches to the opposing team, and the alternation between partners resumes with each new turn.

Session – An extended period of play which may consist of multiple sets or games, often until one player is financially depleted or players agree to stop.

Set – A series of games played with a fixed bet per game, or until a player wins a predetermined number of games.

Shark – Refers to a player who is very skilled at pool.

Sharking – Refers to doing things to distract, annoy, undermine, or shake the confidence of your opponent. This could be as simple as making a sudden movement when someone is shooting in a (disguised) attempt to distract them or it could be telling someone “oh, you have this shot easy” to put additional feelings of pressure on them to perform. Sharking is against the rules in tournaments, leagues, and in games being played for money – though there are scenarios where a group of friends shooting for fun or very small amounts may consider sharking a friendly part of the game.

(the) Shooter – Refers to the person currently up to shoot. Which player is the shooter depends on whose turn it is at the time.

Side bet – A wager made by spectators or players not directly involved in the main game with one party in the main game or with other spectators or players not directly involved in the main game.

Slice – A shot requiring extremely thin contact between the cue ball and the object ball, hitting barely the edge of the object ball.

Slop – A casual style of play where any pocketed object ball counts towards a player’s score, regardless of whether the pocket was called beforehand.

Speed – The skill level at which a player competes; also refers to the pace of a game; also refers to the fastness or slowness at which balls roll on the table.

Spot (noun and verb) – A handicap given to equalize players of different skill levels; can also refer to placing the cue ball or another ball on the designated spot after a foul.

Straight up – Playing without handicaps; players compete based on their natural abilities without adjustments.

Stroke – Refers to the motion and technique used by a player when striking the cue ball with the cue stick.

Suit – Refers to the group of balls (either stripes or solids) that a player must legally pocket based on their initial successful shot after the break.

Sweating the action – Spectators intensely watching and often betting on the outcome of a game.

Table run – Like a break and run, but occurs when the player who didn’t break runs the table after the breaker made no balls, with the breaking player not getting a chance to shoot again.

Table Speed – Refers to how quickly and freely the balls move across the felt surface of the pool table. This can be influenced by factors such as the type and cleanliness of the felt, humidity, and the condition of the balls. If a player is attempting to shoot at table speed, they are attempting to hit the ball neither hard, nor soft, but just enough for the ball to travel at the regular speed of that particular table.

Thin – Refers to a type of shot in pool where the cue ball barely grazes the object ball.

Tit or titty – The rounded part of a pool table’s pocket, which can deflect a poorly aimed ball.

Walk the dog – Describes a shot where a ball travels snugly along the rail into a pocket, maintaining close contact with the rail throughout its path.

Watcher – If an opponent is shooting a difficult shot where there is the potential for a foul, a watcher may be called. The watcher has no direct involvement or stake in the match and is usually a referee in high-level events or an agreed upon highly-skilled player in local events asked to closely watch the shot and determine if a foul occurred. The watcher’s opinion of the shot is the final ruling.

Weight – The advantage or handicap given to level the playing field in a match.

(on the) Wire – Games or points given as a handicap before the match starts; the term derives from when points were marked by moving beads on a wire scorekeeper.