Putting English On 

The actual definition is a bit vague, and globally applicable. Although the pool usage may mean backspin, it actually can mean anything. It is comparable to the phrases "elbow grease" or "heat" from baseball, in the fact that it is a metaphor for a non-existent amplifier.

I had to put some english on my handgun to get it to fire.

I put some english on my car to get it the last mile.

I put some english on that punch, it knocked him cold.

Putting English On by Chris Redfield August 24, 2005

Putting English on the ball 

When I went to San Francisco, I heard some guys were playing pool. They put backspin on the ball, and someone said 'Nice English'. I enquired, and found out that putting English on the ball means putting backspin on it.

"Sweet. You put so much English on that ball it went all the way back up your cue and in your mouth."

Putting English on the ball by Bonny lad November 17, 2004