What is it?
An authoritative shot, used usually in snooker and pool, where the object ball is smashed into the pocket. The force with which the pot is made produces a resounding ‘thud’, attracting the attention of those who may not have been paying attention.
Why is it used?
To establish a (normally false) sense of dominance. Young men have been known to use it to show off. Most bystanders are either unaware, or unconcerned, that the degree of difficulty involved in making a successful shot could be very low.
Who uses it?
Amateurs and snooker parlour junkies. Say you enter a pool hall and agree to a wager against a seedy looking fella. A sound pot -- preferably executed early in the encounter -- sets the tone. It is like yelling out, “Get ready to cough up your cash!”
What about professionals?
Professionals don’t buy the gimmick, for they know that one fancy play does not determine the outcome of a match. If a pro does employ it, it is for more practical purposes -- to get the cue ball into position for the next shot, for example.
