Vig Meaning: How Do You Define the Interesting Term ‘Vig’?

Last updated on June 17, 2024 by Isabella Claire

The slang term “vig” is a word that you may have seen used before if you spend a lot of time betting on the internet. If not, then this term is probably new to you which explains why you have come here looking for its meaning. If you have come here for that reason, then your search is over.

Not only will you find the meaning of this term here, but you will also find some details about its origin and some other meanings if there are any to be found. Example conversations are here also in order for you to see how the term is used in context to help you further understand its meaning. Finally, you will learn about some words that can be used in place of this term that still convey the same meaning.

Vig Meaning

What Does Vig Mean?

This slang term is used as a shortened or abbreviated way of saying the term “vigorish.” This term is used to describe the fee that is paid to a bookie in sports betting or it can be used to describe the interest that is paid on a loan that was taken out through an individual person on the street rather than through a banking institution.

Origin of Vig

The term “vigorish” comes from Russian lineage. The Russian term for this phrase is “vyigrysh” meaning “winnings or gains.” It was then used as a term in Yiddish during the 20th-century using the spelling that is known today before becoming a common term in the English language. Although information is sketchy regarding when it was first shortened to this slang term, one can assume that it was abbreviated to make it quicker, easier, and more convenient to type once the internet and text messaging came about.

Other Meanings

Other than the two meanings possible meanings mentioned above that are used in the same amount of frequency, there are no other currently known meanings of this slang term.

Conversation Examples

A text message conversation between two friends.

  • Friend 1: I don’t think I have any choice but to take that personal loan from Alan.
  • Friend 2: I thought we discussed this already. You don’t want to take it. You will be paying the vig forever and never make a dent in the actual principle.
  • Friend 1: I know, but I need the money, or I am going to lose everything.
  • Friend 2: There has to be another way.

An online discussion between two Facebook users.

  • User 1: Credit cards are like a loanshark. If you can’t pay more than the minimum payment, then you should avoid using them. Otherwise, you will just be paying the vig forever and making no progress in paying off the principle.
  • User 2: Your comparison is pretty accurate. Only a credit card company isn’t going to come break my legs if I miss a payment.
  • User 1: True. They will just mess up your credit report every chance they get.

Synonyms for Vig

There are several words that you could use in place of this term that mean the same thing. Some other words you could use instead are:

  • fee
  • allowance
  • ante

Vig Meaning Infographic

Vig

 

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