Wednesday, February 4, 2026

What's a ‘card sharp’ vs. a ‘card shark’?

Whether you're a "card sharp" or a "card shark," you're probably not welcome at many casinos.
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Vocabulary

What is a 'card sharp' vs. a 'card shark'?

Whether you're a "card sharp" or a "card shark," you're probably not welcome at many casinos. Here's a look at the origins of these two similar terms for swindling card players.

Gloved hand holding playing cards

T here are several ways to refer to someone who cheats at card games, many of which are too profane to use in polite company. But there are two terms we can discuss — "card sharp" and "card shark." Along with similar spellings, these terms have similar definitions, as both refer to a skilled card player who often makes money by cheating at card games.

Each term, while primarily applied to card cheats, has a secondary usage of "someone who is skilled at card games." An onlooker might admiringly call a player a card shark after a string of wins, while an opponent might use one of the terms to call out the winner for suspected cheating. 

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Victory hand emoji

Victory Hand

Meaning: Shows a hand raising the index and middle fingers in the shape of a V.


Evolution: This hand signal is often associated with peace, but it was originally a "V" for victory✌️ after World War II. The Victory Hand emoji ✌️ can communicate peaceful intentions, or it could be used to say goodbye, as in "Peace out ✌️." The same emoji can also indicate "air quotes," ✌️ like this✌️ .


Usage: [Text from a friend:] So glad we could work things out ✌️❤️

Vigil by George Saunders

Vigil

By George Saunders

The bestselling author of "Lincoln in the Bardo" has a new novel exploring the space between life and death. In "Vigil," a man on his deathbed is visited by a representative from the afterlife. Together they recall moments from the man's life, and he must come to terms with the complicated legacy he will leave behind. It's an impressive work that will be appreciated by those who enjoy literary fiction and moral and ethical quandaries.

Samantha Abernethy, Word Smarts Writer

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Two women holsing American and British flags
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6 Idioms Brits and Americans Say Differently

Brits blow their own trumpets while Americans toot their own horns — and that's just the beginning. Here are some common idioms that share the same meaning but sound entirely different depending on which side of the Atlantic you're on.

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