Snookered Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฑ
snookered
[หsnuหkษrd ]
Definition
gambling slang
To be snookered means to be put in a difficult position where no effective action can be taken. It often implies being trapped or outmaneuvered, particularly in games like billiards where the cue ball is obstructed by other balls. The term can also be used more generally to describe a situation where someone is deceived or tricked, leading to a sense of helplessness. It highlights the feeling of being cornered or facing insurmountable odds.
Synonyms
cornered, deceived, outmaneuvered, trapped.
Examples of usage
- I feel completely snookered after that last bet.
- She was snookered by the clever ruse.
- The player was snookered and had no valid shots.
- He was snookered in the negotiation.
- We were snookered into thinking it was a good deal.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- In the world of billiards, being 'snookered' is a key strategic moment that showcases skill and foresight.
- A popular British TV show, 'Snooker Loopy,' humorously plays on the term, illustrating its cultural significance.
- The term has also made appearances in classic literature, symbolizing characters who find themselves outwitted or constrained.
Psychology
- Feeling 'snookered' can relate to a psychological state where decision-making is severely hindered due to overwhelming choices.
- It can also refer to the experience of stress-induced paralysis, where a person feels stuck due to anxiety or fear of failure.
- The term captures not just physical entrapment, but emotional or mental states that delay action or resolve.
Sports
- In snooker, being in a 'snookered' position often leads to strategic plays, where players must think critically to escape traps.
- The game emphasizes strategy and foresight, mirroring life situations where one must navigate through difficulties.
- Rare shots in snooker, known as 'snookers,' require exceptional skill, highlighting the term's connection to both challenge and creativity.
Language Use
- The term has broadened to various English-speaking regions, adapting to local contexts and meanings.
- It is sometimes humorously used to describe cinematic plot twists that leave characters in seemingly unsolvable dilemmas.
- In informal usage, it encapsulates the idea of being outsmarted, similar to expressions like 'caught off guard.'
Origin of 'snookered'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'snooker' originated from a type of billiard game, created in the late 1800s in India.
- Originally a slang term among British soldiers, it came to describe a situation where one is trapped or hindered.
- The word has evolved to encompass various contexts outside of the game itself, reflecting broader scenarios of entrapment.
The term 'snookered' originates from the game of snooker, a cue sport that requires precision and strategy. The word 'snooker' itself was coined in the late 19th century by a British Army officer in India, who referred to inexperienced players as 'snookers.' The game has historical roots in billiards, which was played in the 15th century. As the game evolved, the term became synonymous with being unable to make a legal shot due to obstruction by the opponentโs balls on the table. Over time, 'snookered' expanded beyond its original meaning in snooker to describe any situation where someone feels trapped or outsmarted in various contexts, including gambling, negotiations, and general life challenges.