you want to talk popular?

well, a much more *popular usage than poker is sports tournament selection. as tournament selection approaches, teams that don't automatically qualify or don't have imposing qualifying records, but are still hopeful of being invited to a tournament, are said to be on the bubble in Bracketology speak.

and here's the proof:
link "on the bubble" +sports - 501,000 ghits [plus individual sports; e.g., basketball]
"on the bubble" +poker - 128,000 ghits

Last edited by tsuwm; 04/25/2008 3:53 AM.