Why is it called a scratch?

Question

In pool, why is it called a scratch when you hit the cue ball into a pocket?

Answer 1

because you scritchy scratch the nits

Answer 2

OLD GAMBLING TERM MEANS its out like a horse out of the race is scratched i scratch my head when i aint thinking

Answer 3

"Scratch" was a short way of saying "to withdraw (an entry) from a contest", re: a horse being taken out of a race before it was due to start. The term was picked up and used in poolrooms by pool hall junkies and gamblers meaning the player's turn is over and in many cases out. "Scratch" entered the jargon the same way that many baseball terms are used in everyday situations. Example: Get to first base (with a date), off the wall, out in left field, struck out (with a girl), etc.

Answer 4

because you didn't itch

Answer 5

people use to scratch their butts when they hit the cue ball in the pocket. it was a bit embarrassing so... they stop scratching their butt and said " scratch"

Answer 6

i have no clue maybee because its irritating when u loose the ball

Answer 7

The word scratch had a meaning of a child born from incest (seriously), so scratching the cueball is "like kissing your sister".  In straight pool. you would lose a point in old times for a scratch, or "scratch off a point"

Also, a scratch (meaning hitting in the 8 ball) removes you from the competition, "scratching" you off the "roster"

Answer 8

dont know

Answer 9

A "scratch" is the pocketing of the cue ball in pocket billiards. In most games, a scratch is a type of foul. "Scratch" is sometimes used to refer to all types of fouls. I have no clue why the word "scratch" is used though.

Answer 10

Because the first player to ever did it scratches his head...lol...