Meaning & Definition of word "Craps"

Craps

/kræps/

noun:

  • 1. A game of chance played with dice, where players bet on the outcome of the roll or a series of rolls.
    • Example: We decided to play craps at the casino because it looked like a fun way to gamble.
  • 2. The specific term used to refer to the outcome when a player rolls certain combinations that lose.
    • Example: I lost my bet when I rolled craps on my second throw.
  • 3. An informal term for worthless or nonsensical talk or ideas.
    • Example: I didn't heed his advice because it was just a bunch of craps.

verb:

  • 1. To play the game of craps.
    • Example: They decided to craps all night, hoping for a big win.

Etymology

The word 'craps' is derived from the French word 'crapaud', meaning frog, which was a term used for a gambling game played on the streets in the 19th century.

Common Phrases and Expressions

craps out:

To lose or to fail in a gamble.

shooting craps:

The act of playing the game of craps.

snake eyes:

Rolling a pair of ones in craps.

Related Words

dice:

A small, usually cube-shaped object with numbered sides, used in games.

gamble:

To risk money or something of value on an uncertain outcome.

casino:

A facility for certain types of gambling.

Slang Meanings of craps

Meaning: Bad luck or failure.

Example Sentence: Everything went wrong; it was just total craps.

Meaning: Nonsense or rubbish.

Example Sentence: Don't listen to him, he's talking craps.