English vs. english vs. side spin

[9bizzle]

Justadub, I'm not trying to be an a-hole, I'm just trying to keep the integrity of the word and its uses for the sake of this whole debate. The English that we speak is a noun and can also be used as an adjective, and the English that we use on a cue ball is a noun.

 

[dr_dave]

Tom Ross makes a compelling case for lower case 'english'.

I think I'm almost convinced to use "english" instead of "English" when referring to side spin. Although, this is still difficult for me to do, because it goes against the precedent (and cultural history) set by so many instructional authors before me.

Regards,
Dave

 

[LAMas]

Just use the "Caps Lock" key and no problem...unless you're shouting.:wink:

 

[Roger Long]

I think I'm almost convinced to use "english" instead of "English" when referring to side spin. Although, this is still difficult for me to do, because it goes against the precedent (and cultural history) set by so many instructional authors before me.

Regards,
Dave

I agree, Dave. I still call bone heads, Bone Heads. I think they've earned that respect.

Roger

 

[pt109]

I think I'm almost convinced to use "english" instead of "English" when referring to side spin. Although, this is still difficult for me to do, because it goes against the precedent (and cultural history) set by so many instructional authors before me.

Regards,
Dave

Ah,you can now be buffaloed in Buffalo...
..and you can hollywood it up in Hollywood

 

[dr_dave]

Ah,you can now be buffaloed in Buffalo...
..and you can hollywood it up in Hollywood

After this thread, I feel the need to drink lots of Scotch whiskey (AKA "Scotch," AKA "scotch whiskey", AKA "scotch").

Regards,
Dave

 

[SpiderWebComm]

I can't believe 40% of the people who responded said "side spin."


Left/right of center is english. It's been that way forever.

VERY weird.

 

[dr_dave]

I agree (except for the "english part).

I find it even harder to believe that "English" was by far the least popular choice, given that this has been the standard term (and spelling) for so long, and is identified by Meriam-Webster as correct (to label side spin).

Go figure.

Regards,
Dave

I can't believe 40% of the people who responded said "side spin."


Left/right of center is english. It's been that way forever.

VERY weird.

 

[JoeW]

In general the words I use depends to some extent on, "Is this the person to whom I am speaking?" (remember her). If the person has a limited exposure to playing pool I use the term left or right side spin. If they have been around the table and seem to know the lingo then I use "english."

I think the use of the term english is correct it just may not be appreciated by some people and french fries cannot be better described regardless of what is PC.

My first wife told me on more than one occassion it is a "scots lass" and a "glass of scotch" except in Scotland where you simply ask for whiskey.

 

[BRKNRUN]

How bout this little hook in your debate.....How many "sides" does a cue ball have??????????


Since "english" is what I would term as "slang" for spin..........perhaps the most correct terms to use would be

Left Spin - Right Spin - Top Spin - Back Spin.

Yes..."Draw" is also a slang term. :wink::wink:

 

[Jal]

It looks like "English" has gained a little in the poll, but "english" still got many more votes. Honestly, that surprises me since "English" has been the accepted standard for so long, and it is what is recommended by Meriam-Webster.

... but life is full of surprises.

Regards,
Dave

Dr. Dave,

In The American Heritage Dictionary (hard copy, 8'th printing), one of the definitions of "English" when used as a noun is:

7. Often small e. The spin given to a ball by striking it on one side or releasing it with a sharp twist.

They also include a definition as a transitive verb (Englished, -lishing, -lishes):

3. Often small e. To cause (a ball) to spin, as in billiards or bowling.

Maybe one way to decide whether to honor tradition or not, is to weigh the pros and cons. While there isn't a heck of a lot going for either one, "english" may have a slight edge.

What are the advantages of retaining "English"? Does it make the written language more appealing or readable? Does it give the word a more distinctive meaning? Does it conjure up warm associations with ancient traditions and ceremonies?

What about "english"? As has been mentioned, this at least is more in accord with its usage as a common noun. In addition, it's the only one listed in the aforementioned dictionary that is acknowledged as sometimes beginning with a small e. Every other definition begins with a capital; thus, it has a unique meaning. Finally, it's easier to type and saves wear and tear on the shift key (as well as helping to keep one's fingers away from that damnable Caps Lock!)

Jim

 

[Williebetmore]

... but the Meriam-Webster Third Edition dictionary suggests "English" (capitalized) as the "usual" form. This implies that "english" (lower case) might also be acceptable, but it is flagged as a spelling mistake in most software (e.g., Microsoft Word).

When in doubt, I stick with Meriam-Webster and common usage (i.e., what is usually found in printed publications), so I will continue to use "English," even though it goes slightly against my sense for grammar.

Regards,
Dave

Dr. D,
In Mark Wilson's soon to be completed book; he will be using "English." You will not be alone.

 

[pt109]

*english*

I've just consulted with the British
and feel obliged to report ,with some anguish
When you hit 'whitey' with spin
you may knock 'em all in
but it's english you're using,not English

 

[dr_dave]

Jim,

Thank you for your thoughts and the quote from your dictionary (although, I still like Meriam-Webster better).

If "English" weren't so ingrained in billiards publications and history, I would completely agree with you. I would like to not use "English" or "english" at all in any of my writings; but I guess I've used "English" too long, and I guess I don't like change. But if I were starting all over again, I would just use "right spin," "outside spin," "running spin," "top-right spin," etc.

I also wish people would use percentage instead of "tips" when referring to the amount of tip offset (e.g., 50% tip-right spin). For more info and illustrations, see my January '08 and July '06 BD articles. "Tips" is very problematic.

Regards,
Dave

Dr. Dave,

In The American Heritage Dictionary (hard copy, 8'th printing), one of the definitions of "English" when used as a noun is:

7. Often small e. The spin given to a ball by striking it on one side or releasing it with a sharp twist.

They also include a definition as a transitive verb (Englished, -lishing, -lishes):

3. Often small e. To cause (a ball) to spin, as in billiards or bowling.

Maybe one way to decide whether to honor tradition or not, is to weigh the pros and cons. While there isn't a heck of a lot going for either one, "english" may have a slight edge.

What are the advantages of retaining "English"? Does it make the written language more appealing or readable? Does it give the word a more distinctive meaning? Does it conjure up warm associations with ancient traditions and ceremonies?

What about "english"? As has been mentioned, this at least is more in accord with its usage as a common noun. In addition, it's the only one listed in the aforementioned dictionary that is acknowledged as sometimes beginning with a small e. Every other definition begins with a capital; thus, it has a unique meaning. Finally, it's easier to type and saves wear and tear on the shift key (as well as helping to keep one's fingers away from that damnable Caps Lock!)

Jim