reverse English

noun

1. 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.
2. 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of reverse English¹

An Americanism dating back to 1905–10