Origin of Phrases - P
Put english on it
Meaning: To impart a spin to something in an effort to make it hard to control, usually a ball in sports like tennis.
Example: Your cue shot is dangerous when you put english on it.
Origin: "The English way" or "English" comes from the British game of Snooker. Snooker is a forerunner to the game of Billiards or pool. Similar to pool, Snooker uses cue sticks, balls, and a table however the table has no pockets. A technique used in Snooker is to impart an unusual spin to the ball to alter its travel.
The phrase has since been grandfathered into many sports, including basketball, tennis, golf and baseball, among others.