baulk line: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Sports
Quick answer
What does “baulk line” mean?
A line on a billiards, snooker, or English billiards table behind which the cue ball is placed for the opening shot or after a foul shot.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A line on a billiards, snooker, or English billiards table behind which the cue ball is placed for the opening shot or after a foul shot.
In a broader sense, it can refer to any designated boundary line in a game or activity that marks a limit for positioning or from which play restarts. It is also the name of a line in the sport of croquet.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling 'baulk' is standard in British English. In American English, the term is almost always spelled 'balk line'. The concept is less common in American culture, associated more with snooker (UK) than pool (US).
Connotations
In UK, it's a standard technical term in snooker/billiards. In US, it's a highly specialized term known primarily to enthusiasts of specific cue sports.
Frequency
High frequency in UK sports commentary and rulebooks for snooker/billiards. Very low frequency in general American English.
Grammar
How to Use “baulk line” in a Sentence
The cue ball is placed [on/behind] the baulk line.He positioned the ball carefully [on] the baulk line.The foul required the ball to be returned [to] the baulk line.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Technical
The referee placed the cue ball on the baulk line after the foul. In snooker, the baulk line is 29 inches from the bottom cushion.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “baulk line”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “baulk line”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “baulk line”
- Misspelling as 'balk line' in UK contexts or 'baulk line' in US contexts. Using it to refer to any line on a sports field.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The 'D' is a semi-circular area attached to the baulk line on a snooker table. The cue ball must be placed within or on the lines of the 'D' when breaking off or after certain fouls.
The equivalent concept in American pool is usually called the 'head string' or informally the 'kitchen line'. The term 'balk line' is used in specific carom billiards games.
In snooker, the cue ball must be placed *behind* the baulk line (i.e., not on or over it towards the centre of the table) at the start of a frame or after relevant fouls. Placing it incorrectly is a foul.
They are spelling variants of the same word. 'Baulk' is standard British English, while 'balk' is standard American English. Both can mean to hesitate, refuse, or hinder, and both are used in this sporting context with their respective spellings.
A line on a billiards, snooker, or English billiards table behind which the cue ball is placed for the opening shot or after a foul shot.
Baulk line is usually technical / sports in register.
Baulk line: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɔːk laɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɔːk laɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms. Term is purely technical.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'baulk' as 'balk' (to hesitate/stop). The baulk line is where the ball is stopped and placed to restart play.
Conceptual Metaphor
A LINE IS A BOUNDARY. A LINE IS A STARTING POINT.
Practice
Quiz
In which sport is the term 'baulk line' most commonly used?