noun Uncommon

Calcutta

kal-KUH-tuh

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Calcutta (noun) means a betting pool in which participants bid to "own" a competitor or team in an event, then split the winnings if their pick does well. Example: “The golf club ran a calcutta before the weekend tournament, with members bidding on players.”

noun

A betting pool in which participants bid to "own" a competitor or team in an event, then split the winnings if their pick does well.

"The golf club ran a calcutta before the weekend tournament, with members bidding on players."

"He won big in the calcutta after buying the eventual champion for almost nothing."

How to use Calcutta

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn auction-style betting pool where people bid to back a specific competitor, common at golf tournaments and horse races.

Common mistake

Lower-case "calcutta" (the betting pool) is a completely different thing from "Calcutta" the city — capitalize the city, not the wager.

Common pairings

run a calcutta calcutta pool bid in the calcutta

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: calcuttas

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The golf club ran a _____ before the weekend tournament, with members bidding on players.

Etymology

Named after Calcutta (now Kolkata), India's former capital, where this style of auction-pool betting is said to have become popular.

Synonyms

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Kolkata

Related words

Kolkata

Rhymes for Calcutta

outta Dutta

See all rhymes for Calcutta →

Frequently asked questions

What does “Calcutta” mean?

The word “Calcutta” means a betting pool in which participants bid to "own" a competitor or team in an event, then split the winnings if their pick does well. In plain terms, an auction-style betting pool where people bid to back a specific competitor, common at golf tournaments and horse races.

How do you pronounce “Calcutta”?

“Calcutta” is pronounced kal-KUH-tuh (/kælˈkʌtə/ in IPA).

How do you use “Calcutta” in a sentence?

Here is “Calcutta” used in a sentence: “The golf club ran a calcutta before the weekend tournament, with members bidding on players.”

What part of speech is “Calcutta”?

“Calcutta” is a noun.

Is “Calcutta” a common word?

“Calcutta” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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