WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026
reverse′ Eng′lish,
- GamesAlso called reverse′ side′. [Billiards.]a spinning motion imparted to a cue ball in such a manner as to prevent it from moving in a certain direction. Cf. running English.
- words that, because of their misuse or careless syntax, convey an opposite meaning from the one intended or leave their exact meaning in doubt:"Don't miss it if you can'' is reverse English.
- 1905–10, American.
'reverse English' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):