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People have placed bets since time immemorial. However, in the 18th century, betting became widespread and popular amongst rich young men in London, who would place a bet on almost anything. Since many bets were placed by young, impetuous men who had had a few drinks, arguments often arose as to what exactly had been wagered. Therefore the clubs where they met took to having an official Club Book in which they could record their bets. When professionals came into the field, they wanted a name that associated them with this up-market wagering, so instead of saying that they were accepting bets, they said that they were "making a book" on an event. Hence bookmaker/
What name is given to both a short jacket and Spanish dance?
by keithold is a prodigal bagger on January 18th, 2009
| 7 people like this
What is the derivation of the word bejeezus? Is it a form of Jesus? Or just a slang word for something? I know how the word is used. Just curious about the derivation:)
by DA BEN DAN yanggui zi on November 22nd, 2008
| 4 people like this
a fatherless child is a bastard... what would you call a motherless child?
by TAPriceCTR s son is wearing his COAT on June 11th, 2010
| 1 person likes this
Could this possible be the origin of the nasty word "skank"?
"Sk"intight T"ank"??
by CosmicWunderkind on July 5th, 2010
| 1 person likes this
When I say the word "batching", can you put it into a sentence?
by sm00z on November 19th, 2008
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