Jargon Use In Casino Craps

Abstract

Background: Language variation often emerges within specific social communities as a means of communication and a marker of group identity. One example is found in the casino game of craps, where players and dealers use jargon with special meanings that differ from their literal sense. These terms function not only as technical language but also as tools of solidarity, efficiency, and social role reinforcement in interaction. Objective: This study aims to identify the jargon used in the game of craps and analyze its pragmatic functions through the perspective of speech act theory. Method: This research employs a descriptive qualitative method with content analysis. Data were collected from gameplay videos, online forums, manuals, and casino-related articles. The data were classified into jargon terms, their literal and contextual meanings, and analyzed using Searle’s speech act theory to reveal their communicative functions. Results: The study identified ten major jargon terms in craps, namely Seven Out, Yo Eleven, Snake Eyes, Boxcars, Hard Eight, Craps, Come Out Roll, Shooter, Roll the Bones, and Stickman. Each jargon carries a contextual meaning that differs from its literal sense. Pragmatic analysis shows that these terms perform four primary speech act functions: expressive, directive, representative, and declarative. Conclusion: The use of jargon in craps demonstrates that language variation is not merely a communication tool but also a social practice that reinforces group identity, solidarity, and interaction efficiency. This study contributes to the study of non-formal language variation by highlighting that small communities, such as casino players, also develop complex linguistic systems worthy of academic investigation.