Punt
Meaning: To delay or give up on something (American); to bet or take a risk (British).
American: From football—kicking the ball away when you can't advance. British: From horse racing—to make a bet. Two different meanings!
Literal meaning: Kick (American) or bet (British)
Examples
- Let's punt on that decision until next week.' (American) 那个决定我们推到下周再说吧。Aplazamos esa decisión hasta la semana que viene.その決定は来週まで先送りにしよう。그 결정은 다음 주로 미루자. (미국식)
- I'll have a punt on that horse.' (British) 我赌那匹马。Voy a apostar por ese caballo.あの馬に賭けてみるよ。저 말에 한번 걸어볼게. (영국식)
- Worth a punt.' (British) 值得一试。Merece la pena intentarlo.賭けてみる価値はある。한번 걸어볼 만하다. (영국식)
Pronunciation
/pʌnt/
Usage Guide
Context: delay, betting, risk
Tone: casual, colloquial
✓ Do Say
- Punt on it. (American = delay)推迟aplazar先送りにする일단 미루자. (미국식 = 연기)
- Have a punt. (British = bet)下注试试apostar賭けてみる한번 걸어봐. (영국식 = 내기)
- Worth a punt. (British)值得一赌merece la pena intentarlo賭ける価値がある걸어볼 만하다. (영국식)
✗ Don't Say
- Delay可以直接说 delaySe puede decir simplemente delay単に delay と言えばよい미루다
- Bet可以直接说 betSe puede decir simplemente bet単に bet と言えばよい내기하다
Common Mistakes
- DIFFERENT meanings in US and UK!
- American = give up; British = gamble
Origin & History
American: From football punting. British: From betting on horses.
Etymology: American football slang / British horse racing slang
First recorded: 20th century
Cultural Context
Era: 20th century to present
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
Pop culture: American football; British horse racing; British betting culture
Regional notes: CAUTION: Different meanings! US = give up/delay. UK = bet/gamble.
Variations
Related Phrases
More From This Topic
More from Sports & Games
Flashcards, quizzes, audio pronunciation & spaced repetition — all free