Claire Thompson
The phrase winner winner chicken dinner is commonly used to refer to a victory or success. While its exact origin is disputed, it is traditionally associated with gambling. The most popular origin story of the term is that a chicken dinner at a Las Vegas casino cost $2, the same amount as a standard bet. So, if a gambler won a bet, the dealer would announce winner winner chicken dinner, meaning the gambler could now afford to buy themselves a chicken dinner.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin | Disputed, but most likely related to gambling |
| Gambling Context | Refers to winning a monetary bet, specifically enough money to buy a chicken dinner |
| Gambling Theories | Two main theories: 1. Originated in Las Vegas casinos when a chicken dinner cost $1.79-$2, the same amount as a standard bet 2. Coined by back-alley gamblers during the Great Depression of the 1920s-1930s, who bet small amounts in hopes of winning a chicken dinner |
| Popular Culture | Became widely known after being featured in the 2008 film "21" and the 2017 video game "PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds" (PUBG) |
| Usage | Used to celebrate a victory or success, especially in the context of gambling |
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What You'll Learn
The saying's association with gambling
The saying "winner winner chicken dinner" is believed to have originated from the world of gambling, specifically in the game of bingo. The phrase is thought to have first been used in the 1920s or 1930s, during the time when bingo was gaining popularity in the United States. Back then, bingo was often played for small stakes, and one of the most common prizes was a fried chicken dinner. The winner of the game would proudly proclaim "winner winner chicken dinner" to claim their tasty reward. This phrase was a way to add excitement and humor to the game, and it quickly became associated with the thrill of victory and the satisfaction of earning a delicious prize.
The phrase "winner winner chicken dinner" also has a practical origin related to gambling. In the early days of Las Vegas casinos, it is believed that some establishments would offer a free chicken dinner to big winners as a form of incentive and hospitality. High rollers who had a successful night at the tables were treated to a complimentary meal, often consisting of fried chicken, which was a luxurious and indulgent dish at the time. The saying "winner winner chicken dinner" could have been used by both casino staff and happy gamblers to celebrate a profitable night, further reinforcing the link between gambling and this unique expression.
Another theory suggests that the saying may have been used by gamblers themselves as a tongue-in-cheek expression. In the high-stakes world of gambling, particularly in card games, a "chicken dinner" could refer to a small but consistent win. Gamblers might use the phrase "winner winner chicken dinner" sarcastically when they secured a modest profit, implying that their winnings were enough to afford a cheap meal, but not much else. This usage reflects the unpredictable nature of gambling, where even a small victory is worth celebrating, and the phrase adds a lighthearted twist to the constant risk and reward calculations that gamblers face.
The saying also reflects the element of chance and luck inherent in gambling. The phrase "winner winner" emphasizes the thrill of victory, while "chicken dinner" adds a touch of humor and whimsy. It acknowledges that sometimes, success in gambling can feel like a lucky stroke of fate, worthy of a celebratory meal. This expression captures the excitement and joy of beating the odds and coming out on top, even if it's just for the price of a chicken dinner.
Over time, the saying "winner winner chicken dinner" has endured and evolved, finding its way into popular culture and everyday conversations beyond just the bingo hall or casino. It has become a lighthearted and playful way to celebrate any victory, big or small, whether it's winning a game, achieving a personal goal, or simply getting a desirable outcome. The phrase has taken on a life of its own, with the original gambling connotations fading for some, while still holding a familiar resonance for those familiar with its origins.
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The $2 chicken dinner
The exact origins of the phrase "winner winner chicken dinner" are disputed, but it is believed to have come from gamblers in the 1920s or 1930s. The most popular origin story of the term is that a chicken dinner at a Las Vegas casino cost $2, the same amount as a standard bet. So, if a gambler won a bet, the dealer would announce loudly, "winner winner chicken dinner!", meaning the gambler could now afford to buy themselves a chicken dinner.
During the Great Depression, a chicken dinner in a casino cafeteria cost just under $2, and this was the most common, cheapest meal around. The standard bet for many gamblers was also $2, so winning a bet meant that you could buy yourself dinner. This theory suggests that the phrase originated in the Las Vegas casinos, popularized by casinos in the 20th century.
However, David Guzman, author of a book on craps lingo, claims that the term originated with back-alley gamblers during the Great Depression. These desperate gamblers would bet whatever little money they had, hoping to win a full chicken dinner. With illegal gambling rampant during this time, a chicken dinner was a popular prize.
The phrase gained mainstream popularity after its frequent use in the 2008 casino heist film '21', and later in the 2017 multiplayer shooter video game PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG). The game included the phrase in most of its battle royale modes, and it has since become popular in game-related content and memes to savor victory.
Today, the phrase is commonly used outside the gaming community as a synonym for victory, celebrating any kind of win, whether monetary or not.
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The Great Depression
The precise origin of the phrase "winner winner chicken dinner" is uncertain, but it is generally associated with the Great Depression of the 1930s. During this period, back-alley gambling was widespread, and desperate gamblers would bet whatever little money they had, hoping to win enough for a full chicken dinner. This theory was popularised by David Guzman, author of "A Guide to Craps Lingo from Snake Eyes to Muleteeth".
According to Guzman's theory, the phrase originated from the gamblers themselves, who would cheer "winner winner chicken dinner" after a victory. The phrase implied that they had won enough money to afford a nice meal. This theory suggests that the phrase emerged from the culture of illegal gambling that thrived during the economic hardship of the Great Depression.
Another theory suggests that the phrase originated in the Las Vegas casinos of the 1970s. During this time, casinos offered a chicken dinner for around $2, which was also the standard amount for a bet. Thus, winning a bet meant one could afford a chicken dinner. This theory highlights the connection between the phrase and the monetary value of a chicken dinner in the context of gambling.
The phrase "winner winner chicken dinner" has endured and evolved beyond its potential origins in the Great Depression. It gained mainstream popularity after its use in the 2008 film "21" and later in the 2017 video game "PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds" (PUBG). Today, the phrase is commonly used to celebrate victories or successes, whether in gambling, games, sports, or other achievements. It has become a catchy and playful way to express triumph and joy.
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The phrase's popularity in media
The popularity of the phrase "winner winner chicken dinner" in media can be attributed to several factors, including its catchy and playful nature, its association with celebrations and victory, and its integration into various forms of entertainment. Here is a breakdown of its popularity in different media formats:
Films
The phrase gained significant traction in popular culture after its use in the 2008 casino heist film "21." The inclusion of the phrase in a mainstream movie helped to introduce it to a wider audience and contributed to its recognition.
Video Games
"Winner winner chicken dinner" has become closely associated with the highly popular multiplayer shooter video game "PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds" (PUBG). The phrase is displayed to players who emerge victorious in the game, reinforcing its connection with victory and triumph. The game's developer, Brendan "PlayerUnknown" Greene, is a self-proclaimed fan of the phrase and has included it in multiple battle royale modes he has created. This integration has led to the phrase's widespread adoption within the gaming community, appearing in game-related content, memes, and celebrations of victory.
Television and Social Media
The phrase has also made its way into television shows and social media platforms. While specific examples of its usage in TV shows are scarce, the phrase's popularity on social media, particularly Twitter, is evident. People use the phrase to express their joy and excitement over various achievements, both big and small, often accompanied by celebratory emojis and hashtags.
Other Media
"Winner winner chicken dinner" has also been trademarked by the fried chicken restaurant chain "Raising Cane's" since 2013. The restaurant has used the phrase in various online and in-store giveaways, further exposing it to a broader audience. Additionally, the phrase has been mentioned in books, such as David Guzman's book on craps lingo, which contributed to the discussion around its origins.
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The trademarking of the phrase
The phrase "Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner" was trademarked by Raising Cane’s L.L.C. in 2013. Raising Cane’s is a Louisiana-based fried chicken restaurant chain that has used the phrase in many advertisements and promotions. Despite holding the trademark, the company has not made any claims against other entities using the phrase. As a result, the phrase continues to be commonly used in popular culture, including in movies, TV shows, and video games.
The trademarking of "Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner" by Raising Cane’s has not limited its usage to a specific region or demographic. The phrase is commonly used in the United States, where it originated, but it has also gained recognition in other parts of the world. Its association with gambling and its usage in popular culture have contributed to its widespread adoption and recognition.
Overall, the trademarking of the phrase "Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner" by Raising Cane’s L.L.C. in 2013 has not hindered its popularity or usage. The phrase continues to be widely used in various contexts, including gambling, popular culture, and everyday celebrations of victory or success.
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Frequently asked questions
The phrase is used to celebrate a victory or success. It is often used to congratulate someone for winning a game or celebrating their own success.
The exact origins of the phrase are disputed, but it is often associated with gamblers in the late 1920s and has close ties to gambling. One theory suggests that it originated in the Las Vegas casinos, where a chicken dinner cost around $2, the same amount as a standard bet. So, if a gambler won a bet, the dealer would announce "winner winner chicken dinner", meaning they could now afford a chicken dinner.
Yes, another theory suggests that the phrase originated from back-alley gamblers during the Great Depression of the 1930s. These desperate gamblers would bet whatever money they had, hoping to win enough to buy a chicken dinner.
The phrase gained mainstream popularity after its frequent use in the 2008 casino heist film "21". It became even more popular in the gaming community after being featured in the 2017 multiplayer shooter video game "PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds" (PUBG).
Yes, the phrase has been trademarked by the fried chicken restaurant chain "Raising Cane's" in the United States since 2013. Despite the trademark, Raising Cane's has not made any claims against other entities using the phrase.
