Cuemanship

/ˈkjuːmænʃɪp/ noun

Definition

Skill and expertise in playing billiards or pool; the art of skillfully using a cue stick.

Etymology

From 'cueman' plus '-ship' suffix (meaning the practice, skill, or art of something). Parallel to 'craftsmanship' and 'sportsmanship'.

Kelly Says

True cuemanship isn't just about hitting balls hard—it's about understanding geometry, physics, angles, and spin control so deeply that expert players can predict exactly where every ball will end up three or four shots in advance.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

'-manship' derives from 'man' as universal default, but historically excluded women from skilled cue work.

Inclusive Usage

Use 'cue skill', 'cue technique', or 'proficiency with the cue'.

Inclusive Alternatives

["cue skill","cue technique","cue proficiency"]

Empowerment Note

Women billiards and snooker players developed exceptional technique; '-manship' framing erased their expertise from language.

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