Glossary

4-Ball

One of the eight 4 or 7 Balls used in the game. Pocketing a 4-Ball while there are still non-scoring balls on the table allows the Player to sink a non-scoring ball on his next shot without penalty, i.e. without losing his inning. The 4-Ball will be returned to the table on the head spot , if that spot is not occupied by a 4-Ball already, in which case it is placed at one of the spots 90 degrees from the head spot unoccupied by a 4-Ball. Other balls are moved aside.

Used by some as a block & tackle for keys et alius, used generally to keep Micro Henry in line.

Bumping Apparatus

Most often two tennis balls cut in half and duct taped to an object (e.g. a Frosty the Snowman candle) in order that it be made into a bumper.

Caroom

To bank an Object Ball or Cue Ball off a cushion or other object, e.g. a Purple Monkey.

Cue Ball

One of three used in the game, generally a White, an Off-white and a Negative Cue Ball are used.

Cute Position

When a Purple Monkey or Elephant enters a pocket and is facing out of the pocket right side up and "cute."

Doubling Round

Generally when a Muggins is called and confirmed, a Doubling Round is given to all but the offending Player, with all points, positive and negative, doubled. Also occurs when one Elephant is ejected to the side board or both Elephants are ejected from the table with one shot. A Double Doubling Round has been known to happen.

Elephant

A small stuffed Elephant, approximately the same size as the Purple Monkeys.

Elephant Points

Points scored when Elephants are either put into one of the formal scoring positions, relative to each other, or forced into a pocket (double Monkey Points).

Focus

One of the most important traits of any Monkey Pooler. An ability to narrow ones attention to the game and nothing else. Extremely important in order to finish the game in a timely fashion, especially late at night.

Frosty Bumper

A large Frosty the Snowman wax candle, equipped with Bumping Apparatus.

Glossary

A collection of terms used with exacting definitions given.

Hat

A distinctive head ornament used to delineate who has control of which Cue Ball.

Hat Pass

When a Scratch is made, all Players (including Judge(s) if Judge(s) is(are) rotating) pass their Hats, and therefore their control of a Cue Ball, to the next eldest Player. In case of a Reverse Scratch, a Reverse Hat Pass takes place.

Hippo

A small stuffed Hippo, not too dissimilar from an Elephant.

Jowler

From Pig Mania. When an Elephant is resting on a front foot and trunk, with the hind feet totally off the felt.

All players participate in the Judging and rulemaking and interpreting activities, but either in rotation or out, the Judge arbitrates disputes and has final say in all arguments.

Micro Henry

Related to Henry Jr. and known for his insightful commentary, encouragement to the Players, and making side bets with the Monkeys.

Mini Balls

Small pool balls, variously numbered and generally kept in a Santa Hat and being drawn from said enclosure upon the pocketing of a Non-scoring Ball and the affirmation of the Magic 4-ball being obtained.

Monkey Points

Points scored by forcing a Monkey into a pocket, with points awarded based on its position in the pocket. The monkey is generally re-tabled in front of the pocket it was forced into (see rules for exceptions).

Muggins

An illegal play, shooting out of turn, ball tampering, rampant stupidity or intentional game prolongation are all grounds for a hue and cry of "Muggins!" Generally this results in a Doubling Round for all the other Players. The term originated in Pinochle.

Muggins Ape

A stuffed gorilla of goodly size having been equipped with a length of pool cue and borne by the Muggins-comitting Player until the Player's next shot, and used for said shot.

Negative Cue Ball

The "third" Cue Ball, which subtracts from either of the other two Cue Balls' scores at the discretion of the Controlling Player.

Non-scoring Ball

Any 1's, 2's, 3's, 5's, 8's, 9's, 12's, 13's, 14's or 15's. They score no points and, unless a 4-Ball was pocketed on the previous shot, or any points were scored on the current shot, pocketing a Non-scoring Ball ends the Player's inning.

Object Ball

A ball that isn't a Cue Ball.

Off-white or Non-white Cue Ball

The second positive scoring Cue Ball used in the game. It should be less white than the White Cue Ball.

Player

One who is with Cue in hand and controlling a Cue Ball. As opposed to a Judge, who is generally a Player, but sometimes not.

Purple Cross

Also known simply as "The Cross." The beginning and ending of Monkey Pool. Five 4-Balls are formed into a cross centered on the head spot at the commencement of the game and once returned to that position after all other scoring balls have been pocketed, the remaining three 4-Balls may be Untabled and the game finished.

Purple Monkey

A small stuffed monkey, of coloration purple, with plaid ears and a red tie. The sine qua non of Monkey Pool

Reverse Scratch

To force an Object Ball (Scoring or Non-Scoring) or a Purple Monkey off the table.

Reverse Hat Pass

Like a Hat Pass, but reversed.

Rotate

See Hat Pass.

Scoring Ball

Generally a 6, 10 or 11. 4-Balls (including both 4's and 7's of course) are also scoring balls, but are in constant play and are returned to the table when pocketed (except at the very end of the game).

Scratch

To either force a Cue Ball or an Elephant off the table. In case of Elephant Scratch, the Scratcher places the Elephant anywhere on the table. Points are awarded.

Scratcher

One who Scratches.

Untable

After the Purple Cross has been formed and all non-scoring balls are off the table, the next three 4-Balls, upon their sinking, are placed on one of the three head spots on the rail.

Vampire Coffin

A Purple Monkey having been forced into a pocket and lying face down horizontally.

White Cue Ball

The White Cue Ball, as opposed to the Non-white and the Negative Cue Ball.