In blackjack, a “monkey” refers to any face card (Jack, Queen, or King) or a 10-value card. The term is commonly shouted by players when they need a 10-value card to reach 21 or improve their hand.
If you’ve ever sat at a blackjack table online or in a real casino and heard someone excitedly yell “Come on, monkey!”, don’t worry. They’re not talking about animals 🐒. They’re hoping the dealer deals them a 10-value card.
This article breaks down what “monkey” means in blackjack, where the term came from, how it’s used in real games, and how it compares with similar casino slang. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned card player, you’ll walk away confident, informed, and fluent in blackjack table talk.
🃏 What Does “Monkey” Mean in Blackjack?
In blackjack slang, “monkey” is a nickname for any card worth 10 points, including:
- 10
- Jack (J)
- Queen (Q)
- King (K)
Because these cards are crucial for making 21 (blackjack) or strengthening hands like 11, players often root for them loudly.
Simple Example:
- You’re holding 11
- You hit and want a 10-value card
- You shout: “Monkey! Monkey!”
If a Jack, Queen, King, or 10 appears—success 🎉
🧠 Why Are 10-Value Cards So Important in Blackjack?
10-value cards are the backbone of blackjack strategy.
They matter because:
- Blackjack = Ace + 10-value card
- There are more 10-value cards than any other rank
- They dramatically improve weak hands like 11, 10, or soft totals
Breakdown of 10-Value Cards in a Deck
| Card Type | Count per Deck | Value |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 4 | 10 |
| Jack | 4 | 10 |
| Queen | 4 | 10 |
| King | 4 | 10 |
| Total | 16 cards | 10 |
👉 Nearly 31% of a deck is made up of “monkeys.”
No wonder players cheer for them.
📜 Origin of the Term “Monkey” in Blackjack
The exact origin isn’t officially documented, but casino historians and long-time players point to Asian gambling slang, particularly from Chinese casino culture.
Popular Theory:
- In some Asian languages and dialects, the slang for a face card or high-value card loosely translates to something playful or symbolic
- Over time, casino dealers and international players adopted “monkey” as a fun, catchy term for face cards
Why the Name Stuck:
- It’s short
- It’s memorable
- It adds excitement to the table
- It sounds fun to shout 😄
Casinos thrive on energy—and “monkey” brings exactly that.
🌍 Popularity & Real-World Usage
“Monkey” is especially popular in:
- Las Vegas casinos
- Macau and Asian casinos
- Online live-dealer blackjack
- Poker rooms with blackjack tables
You’ll most often hear it when:
- A player has 11
- A player doubles down
- Someone needs exactly 21
Real Table Talk Examples:
- “I’ve got eleven—monkey time!”
- “Dealer’s showing a six, give me a monkey!”
- “Come on, monkey! Big card!”
It’s informal, playful, and part of casino culture.
🎭 Tone & Context: Is “Monkey” Friendly or Offensive?
In blackjack, “monkey” is neutral and friendly slang.
Important Context Note:
- At the blackjack table, it only refers to cards
- It is not directed at people
- It is not meant offensively
Casinos understand the term, and dealers won’t be offended or confused.
However, outside gambling contexts, the word “monkey” can sometimes be inappropriate—so context matters.
🧩 Examples of “Monkey” in Blackjack
| Situation | Example Phrase | Tone |
|---|---|---|
| Player has 11 | “Monkey, monkey!” | Excited / Friendly |
| Doubling down | “Let’s see a monkey!” | Hopeful |
| Dealer draw | “Dealer needs a monkey to bust.” | Neutral |
| Losing streak | “No monkey again…” | Frustrated but casual |
Emojis, claps, or table taps often accompany the shout 🃏👏
🔍 Comparison: “Monkey” vs Other Blackjack Slang
Let’s compare “monkey” with similar blackjack terms:
| Term | Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Monkey | Any 10-value card | Player slang |
| Paint | Face cards only (J, Q, K) | Dealer slang |
| Big Card | High-value card (usually 10) | Casual |
| Ten | Literal 10 card | Neutral |
| Face Card | J, Q, K | Formal |
Key Difference:
- “Monkey” includes the 10 card
- “Paint” does NOT include the 10
🔄 Alternate Meanings of “Monkey”
Outside blackjack, “monkey” can mean:
- A playful nickname
- Someone acting silly
- A slang insult (context-dependent)
- In poker: a non-standard, informal expression (rare)
👉 In blackjack, it strictly means a 10-value card.
💼 Polite or Professional Alternatives
If you’re in a more formal casino environment or playing with new players, you might prefer:
- “Ten-value card”
- “Face card”
- “Big card”
- “High card”
Dealers typically use “ten” or “face card” instead of slang.
📊 Example Table: When Players Call for a “Monkey”
| Player Hand | Desired Card | Why Monkey Helps |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | 10-value | Makes 21 |
| Ace + 9 | 10-value | Blackjack |
| Soft 18 | 10-value | Strong 18 |
| Dealer 6 showing | Monkey | Forces dealer bust risk |
🎯 Strategic Insight: Does Calling “Monkey” Change the Outcome?
Short answer: No 😄
Shouting “monkey”:
- Does not affect odds
- Does not change the shuffle
- Does not influence the dealer
But it does:
- Add fun
- Reduce tension
- Create table camaraderie
Blackjack is about math but enjoyment matters too.
❓ FAQs
1. What exactly is a monkey in blackjack?
A monkey is slang for any 10-value card: 10, Jack, Queen, or King.
2. Why do players yell “monkey”?
They’re hoping for a 10-value card to improve their hand, often to reach 21.
3. Is “monkey” a dealer term?
No. It’s mainly player slang, though dealers understand it.
4. Does “monkey” include the number 10?
Yes. That’s a key difference from “paint,” which only means face cards.
5. Is the term offensive?
In blackjack context, no. It refers only to cards and is widely accepted.
6. Is “monkey” used in online blackjack?
Yes, especially in live-dealer games with chat features.
7. Where did the term come from?
Likely from Asian casino slang that spread globally.
8. Should beginners use the term?
You can but it’s optional. Knowing it helps you understand table talk.
📌 Conclusion
So, what does monkey mean in blackjack?
It’s a lively, well-known slang term for 10-value cards, rooted in casino culture and loved by players worldwide. While it won’t change your luck, it adds personality, excitement and a sense of belonging at the table.
Whether you shout it out loud or just smile when you hear it, now you know exactly what’s going on and why everyone suddenly gets excited when a “monkey” appears 🐒🃏
Alex Ferguson is a word enthusiast at ValneTix.com who turns the meanings of everyday words into fascinating discoveries. His articles make learning language easy, enjoyable and practical for all readers.
