Eight Ball!?!?!?

Question

What does the phrase " behind the eight ball " mean?

Answer 1

In a bad position.

Answer 2

Meaning

A difficult position from which it is unlikely one can escape.

Origin

From the Eight Ball version of the game of billiards, which is played on a pool table. The balls are numbered and must be potted in order. The game is forfeited if a player's cue ball hits the (black) eight ball first. A 'behind the eight ball' position leaves a player in imminent danger of losing.

Relating to pool as it does, it is no surprise that the expression is American. It dates from the early 20th century - the earliest citation I can find is from the Ohio newspaper 'The Marion Star', May 1916.

Answer 3

The eight ball is the last ball to be pocketed in the game "8 ball". The rules of professional 8 ball state that you cannot hit the 8 ball first or it is a foul and the other player gets ball in hand. You have to hit your ball first. So, that being said, if you have balls left on the table and the cue ball is "behind the 8 ball" it is a really bad spot to be in. Now that being understood, you can use that phrase in everyday life! xD

Answer 4

Behind the eight ball

Meaning

A difficult position from which it is unlikely one can escape.

Origin

From the Eight Ball version of the game of billiards, which is played on a pool table. The balls are numbered and must be potted in order. The game is forfeited if a player's cue ball hits the (black) eight ball first. A 'behind the eight ball' position leaves a player in imminent danger of losing.

Relating to pool as it does, it is no surprise that the expression is American. It dates from the early 20th century - the earliest citation I can find is from the Ohio newspaper The Marion Star, May 1916:

"When John Lewis came out and put America behind the eight ball I went around grabbing 'Kindly Step To The Back of the Car' signs from elevators on account of they kind of expressed the message of Lewis to the American people."

The term was used in the title of a biography of 'Minnesota Fats' - the stage name of the pool player Rudolph Wanderone. That was rather an optimistic title, as Wanderone was by all accounts a much better self-publicist than ever he was a pool player. He played some televised demonstration matches against Willie Mosconi, who beat him easily.

Answer 5

when playing billiards or pool.
it's means when your que ball lands behind the eight ball. Putting your ball (either striped or solid) between the eight ball and the pocket. You have to hit your ball before the eight...it's really hard to do.


hope that helps




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Answer 6

"Behind the Eight Ball is a slang term that means to be in an unfavorable or uncomfortable position.

Answer 7

it`s when the Q ball ends up behind the 8 ball

Answer 8

Means you're on the nose candy.

Answer 9

i am not sure