pokie

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pokie" is correct and usable in written English, particularly in Australian and New Zealand contexts.
It is typically used to refer to a poker machine or slot machine, often in informal settings. Example: "After dinner, we decided to head to the casino and try our luck at the pokies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

A recent poll showed 61% of Australians supporting the original pokie reform.

The Economist

Many sensed an element of paternalism in the pokies proposal posh people, after all, do their betting at the races.Ms Gillard has not abandoned pokie reform entirely.

The Economist

Our favourite codes, like rugby union and AFL, hived off free-to-air and put on pay TV? What about the growing gap between our rich and poor clubs competing in the same league, propped up by pokie machines?

The Guardian - Opinion

There would be no pokie machines; no great unwashed gambling away their wages.

The Guardian

After dragging Brian off the pokie machines (card gambling on the computer. I'll say it again - these things are dangerous, do not touch) we got someone to take a picture of us and the black stuff, and my evening's mission was accomplished.

The Guardian - Travel

It's a different story for the company with exclusive rights to run Keno and pokie machines in Tasmania.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Also attending the "pokie-leaks" campaign launch were former gambling addict Shonica Guy, who is suing Crown Casino and poker machine manufacturer Aristocrat for misleading and deceptive conduct under consumer law.

The Guardian

Independent senators Nick Xenophon and Andrew Wilkie, and Greens senator Larissa Waters, launched their "pokie-leaks" campaign on Tuesday.

The Guardian

I suppose those pensioners across the country sitting in RSLs playing the pokies are just investing wisely for their future.

The Guardian - Business

Ms Gillard got an extra vote when the former Speaker, from her own party, returned to the back benches.Ms Gillard's pokies decision was calculated to balance conflicting forces in her prime ministership.

The Economist

Australians lose more than A$19 billion ($20 billion) a year gambling, about two-thirds of it on pokies.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for an international audience, consider using "slot machine" or "poker machine" instead of "pokie" for clarity, as the latter is primarily understood in Australia and New Zealand.

Common error

Avoid using the term "pokie" when writing for audiences unfamiliar with Australian or New Zealand English. It can lead to confusion. Stick to more universally recognized terms like "slot machine" unless the specific regional context is relevant.

Linguistic Context

The noun "pokie" functions primarily as a referential term for a specific type of gambling machine, commonly understood as a poker machine or slot machine, especially in Australian and New Zealand contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "pokie" is a grammatically correct noun primarily used in Australia and New Zealand to refer to poker machines or slot machines. As noted by Ludwig AI, its usage is acceptable and understood within those regions. While "pokie" is suitable for informal contexts, more formal settings may require using "poker machine" or "slot machine" for broader clarity. Analysis of various sources indicates that "pokie" appears most frequently in news and media but is less common in academic or encyclopedic contexts. Therefore, consider your audience and the context when choosing between "pokie" and its more universally recognized alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

poker machine

Refers to the same device but is a more formal and widely understood term.

slot machine

A common synonym for "pokie", generally understood in most English-speaking countries.

fruit machine

A British English term for a slot machine, differing mainly in regional usage.

gaming machine

A broader term encompassing various types of electronic gambling devices, including pokies.

one-armed bandit

An older, somewhat outdated slang term for a slot machine, implying its tendency to take money.

slots

A shortened, more casual reference to slot machines.

electronic gaming device

A more technical and formal term for a machine used in gambling.

video poker

A specific type of electronic game derived from five-card draw poker.

gambling machine

A general term for any machine used for gambling purposes.

Amusement with Prize (AWP) machine

This is a particular type of gaming machine found primarily in the UK, focusing on skill-based play with potential prizes.

FAQs

What is a "pokie"?

A "pokie" is an Australian and New Zealand slang term for a poker machine or slot machine, typically found in casinos, pubs, and clubs.

What can I say instead of "pokie" if my audience is not Australian or from New Zealand?

If your audience may not understand the term "pokie", use more widely recognized terms like "slot machine" or "poker machine".

Is it appropriate to use "pokie" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "pokie" is an informal term. In formal writing, it's best to use "poker machine" or "slot machine".

Where is the term "pokie" most commonly used?

The term "pokie" is most commonly used in Australia and New Zealand to refer to slot machines found in various venues.