Las Vegas 101: Essential Slang You’ll Need When Visiting
Sin City, Adult Disneyland, Neon City, and the Desert Oasis are just some of the nicknames given to Las Vegas, also known as “the Entertainment Capital of the World.”
The city, filled with excitement, thrills, and shows, attracts more than 40.8 million people annually and is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the United States. Those traveling there visit to conduct business, take a break, and, of course, chase Lady Luck.
With all the diverse cultures and regions represented in the city, it has become a melting pot of unique terminology. As a result, first-time visitors could be left wondering what people are talking about whenever they hear others using what is commonly referred to as Las Vegas lingo.
Below, we’ve created a handy guide of the most common terms you’ll likely hear when visiting the city. These relate not only to those perusing the unique city in search of casinos and wealth but also to hotels, shows, and day-to-day life.
86’d (eighty-sixed)
The term 86’d (pronounced eighty-sixed) is when somebody is kicked out of a casino for cheating. The term’s origin is unknown, although many believe it relates to a time during the prohibition when bar patrons would need to sneak out the back door of 86 Bedford Street to avoid the police.
Beard
A beard is a middleman gambling on behalf of somebody else using that person’s money. This is commonly when the person whose money is being used cannot make it to a casino themselves.
Burners
This refers to anybody who is in the city while visiting the region to attend the famous Burning Man event. Held in the Black Rock Desert, Burning Man attracts more than 73,000 attendees annually.
Carpet Joint
A casino that caters specifically to high rollers or those who are willing to place large sums of money on wagers.
Chapel
In contrast to its name, a chapel is not a church and doesn’t hold regular services. Instead, it serves as a wedding venue for the many lovebirds who wish to marry in the city.
Comps
Comps relate to complimentary items or vouchers from stores, hotels, or casinos. Comps can be for cash or give the holder free access to specific benefits or items.
Dark
A term used to communicate that a particular show is not currently running.
Dime
This is not to be confused with regular currency, which is equal to $0.10. A dime in Las Vegas refers to $1,000.
Dollar
Like a dime, a dollar isn’t always used to refer to $1. In some instances where it is used, it refers to $100.
Feather Show
A revue (or short theatrical skit or sketch) used to attract city people to showrooms and is often employed by companies or brands when launching a new item or line.
George
A hotel or casino patron that leaves large gratuities or tips for staff of the establishment they’re visiting.
Graveyard
Usually used to refer to the hours between midnight and sunrise. However, in Vegas, it can be added to any other activity. An example is a graveyard breakfast, which is a cheaper option for the morning meal offered by eateries between midnight and 06:00 AM.
Grinder
A low roller who either doesn’t wish to spend much when gambling or doesn’t have the financial resources to do so. Such players may be better off finding the thousands of free slots to check out online or at social casinos.
Grind Joint
Unlike a carpet joint, a grind joint is a casino that caters to low rollers or those looking for the thrill of gambling without spending large amounts. It is also commonly known as a sawdust joint.
Juice
Juice refers to the level of celebrity, authority, or influence a person in Las Vegas has over others in the city. It is all about who the person knows and can also refer to what those people owe the person.
Marryin’ Sam
A minister who performs weddings at any of the more than 50 chapels in Las Vegas.
My Friday
A term used any day of the week to indicate that a person is starting their weekend early. Commonly expressed in the phrase ‘today is my Friday.’
Nickel
Not referring to the standard $0.05, a nickel in Vegas refers to $500.
Pencil (The)
A term of authority used to express the influence a member of staff has in a casino. Pit bosses are commonly referred to when saying they have the pencil—meaning they have the authority to make things happen.
Pogonip
More commonly used in Northern Nevada, pogonip refers to a dense, frozen fog that can drastically affect the visibility of drivers on the road.
RFB
RFB (room, food, beverage) is a type of comp often issued by hotels or casinos to high rollers or members of royalty programs to incentivize them to continue playing.
Slot Zombie
A player who may be exhibiting symptoms of problem gambling or addiction. Someone who patronizes casinos for many hours at a time and may be spending well beyond their means. Commonly found using slot machines.
Spaghetti Bowl
Referring to the complex and intricately woven section of freeway interchange on and off-ramps located at the US-95 and Interstate 15. A common place where traffic congestion may be found—particularly in instances where there is an accident.
Stiff
The opposite of a George. A stiff is a patron who leaves little to no tip for staff at the eatery, casino, or hotel they are staying in.
Strip
Referring to a section of Las Vegas Boulevard on which most of the top casinos in Las Vegas can be found. It is often referred to as the best place in Vegas to visit despite the fact that many great casinos can be found off the Strip.
Toke
Employed as a shortening of the term token, a toke refers to the tip or gratuity patrons offer to staff at the establishment they have visited.
Whale
Used by casinos and fellow players to refer to a high-rolling player who has a reputation for spending high or excessive amounts of money when gambling. Casinos often treat whales as VIPs and offer additional comps and incentives to encourage further spending.
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