You’ve probably heard the expression “monkey” at least once while playing blackjack, but you’re not quite sure what it means. The face cards, Jack, Queen, and King, are symbols of the monarchy, so people use the word monkey instead of monarch. Interestingly, the word came from an English word that was difficult for many Asian speakers to pronounce, so it evolved into monkey.
Meaning of monkey in blackjack
The term monkey in blackjack is an idiomatic expression used to describe a face card. The face cards of a deck of cards are typically the jack, queen, or king. While the word monkey may not have its definitive origin, most people believe it is a reference to the royal or nobility status of face cards. The term originated in Asia where players often shouted either monarchy or monkey when they received a face card. This idiom evolved into its current form.
In one example, a player on the Banker would call out, “Monkey!” when a face card was drawn. The term is pronounced “mo-yair” in Cantonese, which sounds like “monkey”. In Indonesia, the word for monkey is “monyet,” so the word “monkey” is used to refer to the face card.
While the term monkey in blackjack may have no specific meaning, it does imply that the player is trying to communicate with the dealer. A blackjack monkey’s goal is to improve their hand. This may be accomplished by receiving an extra card. The term is not an indicator of the deck count, but rather a phrase used by a player who is overly excited during a hand. It is not necessary to speak in this way to communicate with the dealer, but it is a common way for a player to express excitement and hope.
Blackjack players are required to reach a total of 21 points, or better. When they achieve this goal, they yell out “monkey.” The “monkey” essentially refers to any card that improves their hand. The monkey is a symbol of hope.
Where does this term come from?
If you’re not sure where the term monkey comes from in blackjack, you’re not alone. In some countries, a “monkey” bet is a 500-dollar bet. In other countries, the term refers to someone who prays for the next card in a game of baccarat. While it’s not a part of a blackjack betting strategy, it can make sense for casino patrons to be concerned about a monkey running around the casino floor.
The term monkey has a fascinating history, and is probably not the English word you’d expect it to be. The name is derived from a racial term that was once used in Chinese casinos. The face card, the King, Queen, and Jack, were all originally symbols of monarchy. The word “monarchy” was often difficult for Asians to pronounce, so it became the more common “monkey” in blackjack.
