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Behind the eight-ball

Discussion in 'Journalism topics only' started by ColbertNation, Mar 26, 2007.

  1. ColbertNation

    ColbertNation Member

    Is there a standard style for this ghastly cliche? Is it hyphenated; should I use 8 or spell it out?
    It's in a quote, and I'm tempted to just toss it out all together.
     
  2. Ace

    Ace Well-Known Member

    Search your feelings, Colbert.

    And go with them.
     
  3. It's "8-ball."

    Writing a story about pool are you?
     
  4. SoCalDude

    SoCalDude Active Member

    Unless you're writing about the mutant monkey that had eight balls, then you spell it out with no hyphen.
     
  5. Songbird

    Songbird Well-Known Member

    Someone say 8-ball?

    [​IMG]
     
  6. MileHigh

    MileHigh Moderator Staff Member

    Webster's says two words, spelled out.

    Eight ball

    Behind the eight ball

    http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?va=eight%20ball
     
  7. ZummoSports

    ZummoSports Member

    yes, but what does the AP say? i don't have my book here at home
     
  8. Boomer7

    Boomer7 Active Member

    I don't think AP addresses it.
     
  9. SoSueMe

    SoSueMe Active Member

    You are behind the eight ball.

    Like you'd be behind a red car.

    Or, you drank a six pack.
     
  10. jfs1000

    jfs1000 Member

    I see this, I cut it. It is a cliche. Why don't we use something else, like up a creek without a paddle. Or how about writing that the pressure was on and things were bleak.

    I am going to try and write a column at a game this spring that is all cliches. See how tortured it is. That would be fun.
     
  11. Mighty_Wingman

    Mighty_Wingman Active Member

    Now there's a solution. ;D
     
  12. ColbertNation

    ColbertNation Member

    Like I said, it was in a quote, though I agree, that doesn't make it right.
     
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