L.S. Dennis
Well-known member
I was reading a review of a match in the National Billiard News in which one player was described as having a ‘glass arm’ in the beginning of so and so’s match. Anyone ever heard the term ‘glass arm’ before?
Glass Arm?
- Thread starter L.S. Dennis
- Start date
L.S. Dennis
Well-known member
Yes I’ve heard of glass jaw in terms of boxing but glass arm in pool terms is a new one on me!
Back in the day, the expression "glass arm" was well known, and commonly used among telegraph operators (in particular, professional operators) to describe a repetitive stress injury, caused by sending morse code with a straight key, for hours and hours, each day. The phrase was used to describe anything from muscle fatigue, to an actual injury, similar to carpal tunnel syndrome. It was also called "telegrapher's paralysis".
There were even various types of liniment (snake oil) marketed to telegraph operators, to help relieve the symptoms.
But I've never heard it used in conjunction with playing pool.
Banger.........user of vintage telegraph keys.
There were even various types of liniment (snake oil) marketed to telegraph operators, to help relieve the symptoms.
But I've never heard it used in conjunction with playing pool.
Banger.........user of vintage telegraph keys.
Telegraph operators are still some of the most incredible people in history.Back in the day, the expression "glass arm" was well known, and commonly used among telegraph operators (in particular, professional operators) to describe a repetitive stress injury, caused by sending morse code with a straight key, for hours and hours, each day. The phrase was used to describe anything from muscle fatigue, to an actual injury, similar to carpal tunnel syndrome. It was also called "telegrapher's paralysis".
There were even various types of liniment (snake oil) marketed to telegraph operators, to help relieve the symptoms.
But I've never heard it used in conjunction with playing pool.
Banger.........user of vintage telegraph keys.
It probably means he was playing cold... wasnt in stroke....muscles wont relax.
L.S. Dennis
Well-known member
I think you’re probably correct, at least that’s what I got out of it
In baseball, signifies throwing ability so weak it’s a liability… catchers, OF, 3B. Take the extra base because he’s got a glass arm sort of expression. Definitely an old school slang. Used to hear it in little league, then later used in adult softball.
As a side note Benign Essential Tremors is similar in some ways to Glass Arm. It is also caused by continued repetitive use of muscles over long periods of time. Musicians and pool players are frequently diagnosed with BET and it is seen that over the years of prolonged usage the health issues can arise..
Luckily some people with tremors never reach the debilitating stage and stay manageable for much longer, possibly permanently. Mike Davis is one example, his have never become unmanageable. Mike Coltrain and Stevie Moore both had their pool careers ended due to tremors.
Luckily some people with tremors never reach the debilitating stage and stay manageable for much longer, possibly permanently. Mike Davis is one example, his have never become unmanageable. Mike Coltrain and Stevie Moore both had their pool careers ended due to tremors.
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If you (or anyone else) is interested in the history of telegraph operators, I can recommend a number of historical books.
Glass eye. A Woody. Steel beytsim. Lead foot. Iron will.
Yes please. thank you.