Archive for the ‘Poker & the English language’ Category
English phrases derived from poker
Poker had quite an influence on the English language. Many phrases that we use today are actually derived from poker:
Two cents worth: poker games often required a small bet to be made by a new palyer before they could join the game. Notionally offering two cents (2 bits) later became used as a way of entering your opinion in a conversation.
Above board
An ace in the hole
Blue chip
Call a spade a spade
Force someone’s hand
Have an ace up one’s sleeve
Not playing with a full deck
Play one’s cards right
Play one’s cards close to one’s chest
When the chips are down
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