Vig Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on January 4, 2025 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, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • Vig, short for “vigorish,” is a term commonly used in gambling, finance, and informal contexts. It refers to the fee or commission charged by a bookmaker, broker, or intermediary for facilitating a bet or transaction.
What Does Vig Mean?
What Does Vig Mean? – Created by 7ESL

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.

Usage of Vig

In Gambling

  • Refers to the fee or percentage a bookmaker charges for taking a bet.
  • Example: “The vig on this bet is 10%, so I’ll owe $110 if I lose my $100 bet.”

In Finance

  • Can describe an interest rate, service fee, or commission charged by lenders or brokers.
  • Example: “What’s the vig on this loan? It seems pretty steep.”

In Informal or Slang Contexts

  • Used more broadly to mean any “cut” or “share” taken by an intermediary.
  • Example: “The middleman’s vig eats into the profits, but it’s worth it for the connections.”

Related Terms to Vig

  • Juice: Another term for the commission or fee charged by a bookmaker.
  • Cut: Refers to the share or percentage taken by an intermediary or organizer.
  • Spread: The difference in points or odds that includes the vig for bookmakers.
  • Line: The betting odds, often adjusted to account for the vig.
  • Interest: The cost of borrowing money, similar to a vig in loans.
  • Brokerage Fee: The commission charged by a broker for facilitating a trade or transaction.
  • Markup: An added percentage or amount charged on top of a base cost, similar to a vig.
  • Commission: A fee earned by an intermediary or agent, often analogous to a vig.
  • Skim: Refers to a portion taken as profit, often secretly or unethically.
  • Take: The amount collected or earned by an organizer or intermediary.
  • Profit Margin: The percentage of earnings after costs, akin to a vig in business.

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

Examples of Vig

In Social Media Posts

Gambling Posts:

  • “If the vig is too high, it’s not worth betting. Know your math! 🎲 #SportsBetting #Vig”
  • “Lost the bet but at least I kept the vig low. #LessonsLearned”

Finance Posts:

  • “Always read the fine print! That vig on the loan is a killer. 💸 #FinanceTips”
  • “Broker fees are like hidden vig—know what you’re paying for. 📊 #SmartInvesting”

Informal/Slang Posts:

  • “Everyone’s gotta take their vig, but sometimes it’s just too much. 🤷‍♂️ #Life”
  • “The vig for connections is worth it when it helps you close big deals. 💼 #Networking”

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.
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