Street
action
What does action mean?
'Action' refers to gambling wagers or, more broadly, the flow of illicit business and profits in a racket.
"The bookie handled all the action for that side of town."
Origin
American underworld slang, 20th century.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'action' mean in this slang sense?
It refers to gambling wagers and betting activity, and by extension the flow of illicit business and profits within a racket.
How is 'action' used in gambling talk?
A bookie who 'handles the action' takes the bets for an area. 'Where's the action?' asks where the betting or illicit money is moving.
Is 'action' always about crime?
No. In wider slang 'action' also means excitement or something happening, but in underworld and gambling contexts it specifically means wagers and racket money.
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