vig
Vig (noun) means slang for the commission or interest charged by a bookmaker or moneylender. Example: “After paying the vig, his winnings barely covered the loan.”
How to use vig
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe cut a bookie or loan shark takes on a bet or loan.
Gambling and criminal-underworld slang, rarely used in formal contexts.
Word forms
vigs plural, Vigs plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
After paying the _____, his winnings barely covered the loan.
Etymology
A shortening of "vigorish," itself borrowed via Yiddish from a Russian word meaning "winnings."
Frequently asked questions
What does “vig” mean?
The word “vig” means slang for the commission or interest charged by a bookmaker or moneylender. In plain terms, the cut a bookie or loan shark takes on a bet or loan.
How do you pronounce “vig”?
“Vig” is pronounced vihg (/vɪɡ/ in IPA).
How do you use “vig” in a sentence?
Here is “vig” used in a sentence: “After paying the vig, his winnings barely covered the loan.”
What part of speech is “vig”?
“Vig” is a noun.
Where does the word “vig” come from?
The word “vig” comes from Russian. A shortening of "vigorish," itself borrowed via Yiddish from a Russian word meaning "winnings.".
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