snooker

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "snooker" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the game of snooker, a cue sport played on a rectangular table covered with green cloth. Example: "After a long day at work, I enjoy unwinding by playing a few frames of snooker with my friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But Channel 4 then accused GCap of spoiling tactics, saying Digital One had an unfair advantage and could expand its services to "snooker" competition.

The Guardian - Business

Currently, hot pop-up and street-food collective The Hall (the bánh mi from Little Green Cyclo are outstanding) is making waves in an abandoned snooker hall, previously only notable for people shooting up in its doorways.

The Guardian - Travel

I am such a fan… Yes, I've always loved snooker… How are you doing?… And when's the world championship?… Do you remember the Steve Davis versus Dennis Taylor final?

The Guardian

From being the first to broadcast snooker in colour to our recent ground-breaking Glastonbury coverage, two new documentaries celebrate how BBC2 has led the way in mind expanding entertainment.

The Guardian

*** It turns out Miliband is obsessed with pool and snooker.

The Guardian

On the train back to London, I tell him I ghost-wrote two books for snooker champion Ronnie O'Sullivan.

The Guardian

"In Africa, 51% of children die before the age of 5," she said, adding: "The war against coal and fossil fuels, in the name of climate, should be exposed for what it really is: an attempt to snooker development by stealth".

The Guardian

The sensible thing – the Miliband thing – would have been to claim that he only watched hoary old war documentaries or snooker retrospectives.

The Guardian

He loved snooker, too.

The Guardian

Indeed, golf surely proves our second heresy rather convincingly, as do billiards, pool and snooker (one overweight Canadian snooker player truly proof that snooker is for all shapes and sizes needed to drink enormous amounts of beer during matchplay in order to control a congenital hand tremor).But the virtues of golf and snooker, while making them sports for all-comers, are not complete.

The Economist

The staff tending the deep-fat fryers and counters are as eager as any London cabbie to tell you about the football and snooker players and soap-opera stars who have nipped in for a coffee or a pee.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "snooker" metaphorically to describe situations where someone is cleverly trapped or put at a disadvantage.

Common error

Avoid using "snooker" in contexts where other cue sports are more appropriate. For instance, if the game involves only 15 balls, refer to it as "pool" rather than "snooker".

Linguistic Context

The word "snooker" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a specific cue sport. It can also function as a verb, meaning to play the game of "snooker" or, metaphorically, to deceive or trap someone. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's a commonly used term with distinct grammatical roles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "snooker" is a versatile word primarily used as a noun to describe a cue sport, but it also functions as a verb with both literal and metaphorical meanings. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. Its frequency is high, especially in News & Media, making it a commonly understood term. While generally neutral in register, it can be used in various contexts. Remember to use "snooker" when referring to the specific game and avoid misapplication in contexts where other cue sports are more appropriate. Ludwig's analysis provides a clear understanding of its correct and effective use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

play snooker

Specifies the action of participating in the game of "snooker".

billiards

Refers to a broader category of cue sports that includes "snooker".

pool

Another popular cue sport, distinct from but related to "snooker".

cue sports

A general term encompassing games played with a cue stick, including "snooker".

entrap

Metaphorically similar when "snooker" is used to mean putting someone in a difficult position.

deceive

Related to the meaning of "snooker" as to fool or bamboozle.

outmaneuver

Implies a strategic positioning, similar to strategically "snookering" an opponent.

bamboozle

Informal synonym for deceiving or tricking, aligning with one sense of "snooker".

outwit

Implies using cleverness to gain an advantage, akin to strategically playing "snooker".

circumvent

To find a way around an obstacle; analogous to the strategic play in "snooker".

FAQs

How is "snooker" different from pool?

"Snooker" and pool are both cue sports, but they differ in the number of balls used, the table size, and the rules of play. "Snooker" typically involves 22 balls and a larger table.

Can "snooker" be used as a verb?

Yes, "snooker" can be used as a verb, meaning to play "snooker", to fool or bamboozle someone, or to put someone in a difficult situation. For example, "He "snookered" his opponent with a clever shot."

What is the origin of the word "snooker"?

The term "snooker" originated in the British Army in India. A "snooker" was a slang term for a first-year cadet, and the name was applied to the game due to its perceived complexity.

Are there any professional "snooker" players?

Yes, "snooker" has many professional players. Some famous "snooker" players include Ronnie O'Sullivan, Judd Trump, and Mark Selby.