The Mystery of the pokie name: Why not slots?
In the vibrant world of Australian slang, the term "pokie" stands out as a unique abbreviation for a familiar sight - slot machines. The term, which is believed to have originated as a shortened form of "poker machine", reflects both the early types of machines available in Australia and a distinctive regional habit of word-shortening.
The term "pokie" finds its roots in the early slot machines introduced in Australia and New Zealand, which were actually video poker machines. Locals, known for their tendency to abbreviate words, shortened "poker machine" to "pokie." Over time, this term expanded to refer to all slot machines, not just video poker types.
This linguistic pattern is not exclusive to gambling machines. In everyday Australian and New Zealand English, words are often shortened by dropping syllables and adding an "-ie" or "-y" ending, as seen in "rellie" for relative and "brekkie" for breakfast.
The term "pokie" has carried over to online gambling, where all online slots and video poker games are also called pokies. Advertisements have long referred to slot machines as pokies, and the term is widely used in Australia and New Zealand.
Interestingly, the reason for referring to slot machines as 'poker machines' is not known for certain. However, it is worth noting that in the early days of Australian casinos, around the 1900s, one of the first games was indeed a poker 'machine'.
In other parts of the world, slots are sometimes called "one-armed bandits", while in Scotland, they are referred to as "puggies". In England, they are sometimes called "fruit machines" or "fruities".
Free online pokies have become popular with players in Australia, and casual pokies can be found in Aussie pubs and clubs. Despite their popularity, it's important to remember that gambling should always be enjoyed responsibly.
In conclusion, the term "pokie" originated in Australia as a colloquial abbreviation of "poker machine", reflecting both the early types of machines available and a distinctive regional habit of word-shortening. This unique slang term continues to be a part of Australian culture, both in physical and online gambling settings.
- The 'poker machine,' shortened to 'pokie,' initially referred to slot machines due to their early video poker nature, a term that has grown to encompass all slot machines in Australia and online gambling.
- Just as 'pokies' have been part of traditional casinos since the early 1900s, they continue to be a staple in Australian culture, with free online pokies and casual pokies found in pubs and clubs.
- As gambling trends evolve, 'poker' remains a popular casino game worldwide, with various names such as 'one-armed bandits' and 'puggies' used in different regions, underscoring the global impact of Australia's slang term 'pokie.'
