True or Urban Legend?

Question

I've heard that a person can fit a billiard ball into their mouth but cannot physically get it back out. Supposedly you trick somebody by putting the CUE ball into your own mouth (which is actually a bit smaller than the numbered balls), take it back out, and dare somebody to do it with the eight ball. Apparently, something to do with the way the human jaw opens will prevent the ball from coming back out of their mouth.

Anybody ever heard of this? SEEN this?

Answer 1

Never heard this myth or legend before but know the cueball is the same size or slightly larger than the object balls.

Answer 2

a standard set of pool balls and the cue ball are the same size.  many coin operated tables use a slightly larger cue ball. this way  it will be returned after a scratch.  other coin opps. use a cue ball with a magnet.  snooker balls are smaller.

other than that, why would you want to put a cue ball or any other pool ball for that matter in your mouth in the first place?  I suppose if your head was really big, like andre the giant big, you could fit a ball or two in your grill, ...but why?  

well good luck with everything, and make sure someone is there to call 911.

Answer 3

It is not true. A cue ball is the same size and weight as all the other balls (except for bar tables). There is a MASH episode with George Wendt (Norm on Cheers) where he supposedly has a ball stuck in his mouth, and one might think this urban legend is derived from that episode.

Answer 4

I have no idea but I have no intention of putting that theory to the test!  By the way Vegas Matt is absolutely right...the cue ball is the same size as the rest of the balls.

Answer 5

Cue balls are not smaller than the rest of the balls, they are the same size.

Answer 6

It depends on the person... but a typical person will get the ball stuck in their mouth.  I have seen it happen and it is not pretty.  It is also to be noted that some people could get the cue ball stuck in their mouth, so I wouldn't try it.

Answer 7

Matt and Walt are both right.  In standard sets, the cue ball is the same size, but it may be larger for some bar tables for the ball return.  The cue ball does wear down faster than the other balls since it's hit the most, but the size difference won't be noticeable.  I have seen someone put a cue ball in his mouth, spit it out, have it kick five rails around the table, and pocket a ball.

On a side note, I've heard a light bulb can be put in the mouth and not come back out.  I don't know the validity of this though.

Answer 8

No this is the first I have heard of this theory

Answer 9

no its not true watch the human regurgitator he is pretty amazing i think his name is steve starr

Answer 10

In English 8-ball the cue ball is smaller than the rest of the balls even in pro-leagues, and on all bar tables that i know of the cue ball is smaller.

To be honest i think its myth, your mouth opens the same amount whether your putting something in or out so i don't see how it could get stuck.  I suppose it would be easier for you to apply pressure to the ball when your push it in, might be difficult to get a grip on it and pull it out once its in your mouth!