How Gaming Phrases Have Spun Into Everyday Language

Games played around a table have been around for centuries now, whether they be games of chance or strategy, and using chips, cards or other specialized pieces. Such is the cultural significance of the gaming world, we can now see how phrases borrowed from games have infiltrated language, not only in English but in other languages too. They can come in the form of metaphors for our actions, life, business and relationships.

In this article, we'll explore how roulette and other games have spun their way into our everyday speech.

Spinning the Wheel: Roulette’s Lasting Linguistic Impact

Few games have had more of a significant influence on culture than roulette. It was first played in the 1700s and has endured up until today, making the crossover into the digital world. Gamers today can play European roulette online, allowing them to play a classic version of the game, mechanically almost the same as they might in a real casino in Monte Carlo. Even with a move to digital platforms, the game never lost its cultural grip on society, and we can see this in some of the everyday language we use.

The image of the spinning wheel, with its mix of colors, bouncing ball and unpredictable outcomes, is one which has captured our collective imagination in modern history, with a number of phrases emerging which refer to the element of chance in the game. In English, we sometimes add "roulette" to describe a situation which has an element of random chance. In a business context, phrases like "playing roulette" could indicate taking a chance without knowing what consequences may follow.

Card Games and "Playing Your Hand"

Card games have also influenced how we speak. Phrases like "ace up your sleeve" and "hold your cards close to your chest" are very common phrases and indicate secrecy, strategy, or surprise, coming directly from the gaming table into the modern lexicon. In business, a savvy entrepreneur will "play their cards right" when they do something positive, while their secretive counterpart will "keep their cards close" to not give away information they don't want to.

The person with the "ace up their sleeve" will be waiting for the perfect moment to play their "trump card" and hopefully swing the situation in their favor. The psychology that we see in card games lends itself perfectly to sports too, like football or tennis. These are sports where players are pitted against eachother trying to win, so phrases like these are commonly heard.

What's most interesting is that it's not just the English-speaking world that has adopted these phrases. French uses the phrase "abattre ses cartes", to lay down one's cards. Metaphors like these are fairly universal and indicate some hidden potential and the act of revealing them as a decisive act.

The Language of Chance: Dice, Slots, and Beyond

"Let's roll the dice" means to take a chance, and, in that moment, accept the risk that lies ahead. Meanwhile, we now use the term "jackpot" to signify a windfall, or anything positive in our lives. We very often use these phrases without thinking about their origin, but they too indicate the cultural significance of gaming on our culture. In European languages, we can see similar expressions. "Jugarse el todo por el todo" means to bet everything on everything, taking on any risk, just like putting all your chips on one number.

Board Games: A "Checkmate" in Life

Finally, let's touch on chess, another game that has crossed over into the digital world. '"Checkmate" indicates impending victory, and is one of a number of English phrases originating from Persian — in this case, "shah mat", meaning "the king is helpless". Meanwhile, "gambit" and "make a move" also come from chess, and are associated with good planning decisions. 'Pawns' are used in military and political speak to refer to subordinate subjects, while army generals or even sports coaches "make moves on the board" in their strategizing of large teams.

Whether it be roulette wheels or games of strategy, games have added a touch of color to how we communicate with each other. It doesn't matter whether it's around the dinner table or in the boardroom; gaming is inextricably linked to our language and to human culture. In life, many of us take gambles every day, so it's fitting that the language we use comes from gaming.