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Shark - Billiard Term Definition

Welcome to the billiard, pool, and snooker glossary of terms. This is the definition of Shark as it relates to cue sports. You can also view the entire billiard dictionary

Definition of Shark

Shark is a billiards slang term that is a part of Skill Level Terminology.

Shark is a widely used term within the cue sports world, and has several different contexts of use. In the context of skill level, the term shark refers to an extremely talented player, with skill that is considered far above that of the majority. This usage of the term shark is employed commonly by weekend players or spectators who intend it as a compliment, and who are not aware of the derogatory connotation the term carries. In the context of a hustler, the term shark refers to a relatively good pool player as compared with others who intentionally disguises their true ability in order to reap financial gain through gambling with less skilled players. This context of the term shark is considered derogatory, and is used mostly by actual players. In a competition context, the term shark is short for sharking, which refers to the performance of an act or utterance by one player with the intent of distracting or intimidating his or her opponent so as to cause their performance to suffer. Most major league and tournament regulations prohibit blatant shark attempts or sharking in general, but this is extremely common in bar room pool.

See: sharking, hustler, sharp, pool shark for more on the meaning of "Shark".

Shark - Usage

Lori is a shark. She'll eat you alive. This league prohibits all forms of shark. I don't want to hear it again or you are out.

Billiards - Shark

  • Title: Shark
  • Author: (Billiards Forum)
  • Published: 1/13/2008 10:26:00 AM

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