Take a Punt: Origin and Meaning

To take a chance, to attempt or try something, to make a bet.

To take a punt literally means to make a bet and derives from the betting language of the 18th century. In France, the player betting against the bank would shout out “ponte” and in Spain it was “punt”.

These words were later integrated into the betting language in the UK, and the word punt started appearing more and more frequently at the croupier table.

– I am thinking about buying bitcoins, but I am not sure it’s worth the punt.

– My sister took the punt and decided to propose to her boyfriend. They have been happily married for 10 years now. Yay!

– Guess how many pairs of shoes I have…? Go on, take a punt!