reverse English


noun

Also called reverse side. Billiards. a spinning motion imparted to a cue ball in such a manner as to prevent it from moving in a certain direction. Compare running English.
words that, because of their misuse or careless syntax, convey an opposite meaning from the one intended or leave their exact meaning in doubt: “Don't miss it if you can” is reverse English.

Origin of reverse English

An Americanism dating back to 1905–10