Stumped by ‘En ___’ Crossword Clue? Find the Surprising Answer!

Welcome! Today, I will explain the crossword clue “En ___” and introduce you to the answer “MASSE.”

“En ___” is a phrase commonly used in crossword puzzles where the word “En” is followed by a blank space. In this context, “En” refers to a specific term from a foreign language, known as a borrowing, that has been adopted into the English language. It is essential to know that “En” is often an abbreviation for the French preposition “En,” meaning “in” or “on.” In this particular crossword clue, the blank space following “En” indicates that we are looking for a specific word that starts with “MASSE” and is commonly used in the English language.

Now, let’s focus on the answer “MASSE”. In this case, “MASSE” is a billiards term that refers to a technique used in the game of pool. It involves striking the cue ball off-center, resulting in a curving or spinning motion known as “English”. This technique is used to control the outcome of the shot by altering the trajectory or spin of the object ball.

To execute a masse shot successfully, the cue stick is held at an angle, usually close to perpendicular to the table’s surface, which allows the cue ball to strike the object ball with spin and curve. This technique is often employed when a player needs to maneuver around obstacles or to make a difficult shot.

The word “MASSE” itself comes from the French term “masse shot”, which can be translated to “hammer shot” in English. Over time, the term has been shortened to simply “MASSE”.

In conclusion, when you come across the crossword clue “En ___,” specifically in relation to billiards, the answer is most likely “MASSE”. It refers to a technique used in the game of pool where the cue ball is struck off-center, resulting in spin and curve. So, next time you encounter this crossword clue, you will be able to confidently provide the answer “MASSE”.