Pronunciation: [snˈuːkəd] (IPA) 
The term "snookered" is commonly used in the game of snooker to refer to a situation where a player's ball is blocked by another ball on the table, making it difficult to make a shot. The spelling of this word might seem confusing due to the presence of the double "o" and "k" next to each other. However, the IPA transcription of this word is /snʊkəd/, which indicates the correct pronunciation of the word according to its spelling.
Snookered is a term with multiple definitions depending on the context in which it is used. Primarily, it is a verb that is often associated with the game of snooker, a cue sport played on a billiard table with pockets. In this sense, to be "snookered" means to be in a situation where the cue ball is obstructed by other balls, making it difficult for a player to execute a desired shot. It suggests being trapped or hindered, unable to make a clear and direct move.
Furthermore, "snookered" can also possess a figurative meaning in various situations outside of the game. When one is "snookered," it often indicates being placed in a predicament or caught up in a difficult or challenging position where options and choices are limited. In a more general sense, it can refer to feeling deceived, tricked, or manipulated by someone or something, leaving the individual feeling at a loss or at a disadvantage.
Overall, whether related to the game of snooker or used metaphorically, being "snookered" conveys the notion of being obstructed, trapped, or deceived, resulting in a sense of disadvantage or difficulty in progressing.
The word "snookered" originated from the game of snooker, which is a cue sport similar to pool. Snooker was first played in the late 19th century by British Army officers stationed in India. The term "snooker" itself is believed to have derived from the slang term "snooker's hold", which referred to a situation where a person was placed at a disadvantage or deceived. Over time, the word "snooker" began to be used in the game to describe a situation in which a player's opponent would purposely leave the cue ball in a position that made it difficult or impossible for them to make a legal shot. This led to the development of the verb "to snooker" or being "snookered", which means to be trapped or stuck in a problematic situation with limited options or possibilities.
