For your consideration....

danquixote

danquixote

DanQuixote
Silver Member
I have read many comments on here about what is wrong with pool and about how it was once considered a gentlemans sport. Also read many comments about appropriate dress codes, behavior, etiquette, etc...etc..
I did a search on the term...."Dirty Pool", a phrase I have heard many times as a euphemism for cheating. Much to my supprise I find it being reported as used as early as 1918. I'm not sure what I should make of this....probably nothing.....But I did find it interesting......Dan
 
In my mind, dirty pool is not cheating, but using every available resource.

Many times I have come across players that can play, so I have said " gotta bring out the dirty pool". They usually smile and bear down. And then the safeties come out.

If the phrase overflows into other parts of society, I think I consider it a bit complimentary that it uses pool.
 
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I would agree with Turd, I have heard the term "dirty pool or cesspool" used by bangers who don't think legal safeties belong in the game.
It is interesting to hear that the expression is so old.
 
I think playing dirty pool, playing a legal safe shot is about as smart as blocking puches in boxing. I don't know if this if factual but in alot of western movies they would show boxing matches where the fighters would just stand there and trade blows.
 
I can remember going in most bars in the 1950's that had a bar box and if you played safe you could get hurt. They called it dirty pool among other terms. Johnnyt
 
Johnnyt said:
I can remember going in most bars in the 1950's that had a bar box and if you played safe you could get hurt. They called it dirty pool among other terms. Johnnyt
Click to expand...

It's pretty much the same way today in bars unless you're matched up with somebody who actually knows the game. You're better off playing a two way shot which is an art form in itself when you're on the stall. :wink:

Best,
Mike
 
Safety play gets dirty on a beerbox when it’s used to slow the night’s games down. After a few, on a challenge table I loosen up and try different things.
 
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