What Does "Winner Winner Chicken Dinner" Mean? The Phrase Explained

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Learn the history & different ways to use this century-old phrase

Co-authored by Glenn Carreau Reviewed by Candace Gasper

Last Updated: June 3, 2024 Fact Checked

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“Winner Winner Chicken Dinner” Meaning

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Origin & History

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Uses

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Movie References

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Video Game References

You’ve heard the phrase “Winner winner chicken dinner” in movies and TV shows (or maybe even video games), but what does it mean? And where does it come from? Traditionally, “Winner winner chicken dinner” is a phrase associated with gambling; it’s used to celebrate victories and big successes or call out someone for being lucky. We’ve compiled a handy guide to “Winner winner chicken dinner,” complete with a thorough definition, different ways to use it, and a deeper look at the history of the classic phrase.

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner: A Summary

“Winner winner chicken dinner” is an old phrase used to call out a major victory or success. It’s traditionally associated with gambling but can be used to refer to any sort of win or stroke of luck—particularly when congratulating someone for winning a game or celebrating your own success.

Section 1 of 5:

“Winner Winner Chicken Dinner” Meaning

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The phrase is an expression that celebrates a victory or success. It’s especially common in the world of gambling—like if someone wins a round of Blackjack and the dealer calls, “Winner winner, chicken dinner,” for example. It’s an old, celebratory expression that people use to announce when they (or someone else) has won a game or competition or achieved some other victory.^{[1]
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- For example, if someone’s favorite team won the Super Bowl, you might see them post about it online saying, “Winner winner chicken dinner! The Rams fought their way to victory!!!”

Section 2 of 5:

Origin & History of “Winner Winner Chicken Dinner"

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Its origins are disputed, but the phrase may come from Las Vegas casinos. In the late 1920s (the Depression Era in the United States), a chicken dinner from a casino cafeteria cost just under $2—and $2 was the standard bet for many gamblers. So, anyone who won a bet was effectively able to buy dinner that day, hence the phrase “Winner winner chicken dinner.”^{[2]
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- Keep in mind this is only one of the possible origins of the term, though it’s still one of the most widespread theories.
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Alternatively, the phrase may have been coined by back-alley gamblers. David Guzman, author of A Guide to Craps Lingo from Snake Eyes to Muleteeth, asserts that Depression Era back-alley gamblers are responsible for the phrase. This is because, supposedly, back-alley gambling rings were an easy way for down-on-their-luck people to win enough money for a chicken dinner.^{[3]
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- Regardless of its specific origins, the phrase was most likely first coined in the late 1920s and has close ties to gambling.
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Winner! Chicken dinner!” was trademarked by Raising Cane’s L.L.C. In 2013, the Louisiana fried chicken restaurant chain Raising Cane’s trademarked the phrase and has since used it in many ads and promotions. Although Raising Cane’s still holds the trademark and continues to use the phrase, the business hasn’t made any claims against other entities using it, either.
- Thus, you may continue to see “Winner winner chicken dinner” pop up in media, including TV shows, movies, and video games.

Section 3 of 5:

How to Use “Winner Winner Chicken Dinner”

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Congratulate someone for winning a game. When someone wins a game or competition, “Winner winner chicken dinner” is a classic phrase you can use to acknowledge the triumph. While this traditionally refers to gambling, it can apply to any sort of game—from carnival games to a video game tournament. You could even use it to call out your favorite sports team!^{[4]
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- “Hey, winner winner chicken dinner! How’d you get so good at Mario Kart?”
- “Looks like we’ve got a winner winner chicken dinner! Well-played, my friend!”
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Celebrate your own victory in a game or contest. On the other hand, when you win something, there’s no harm in celebrating yourself—as long as you don’t rub it in too much! You can also use “winner winner chicken dinner” to refer to your triumph in a game (rather than someone else’s).^{[5]
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- “Woo hoo, winner winner chicken dinner! Looks like this round of cards is mine!”
- “Guess who was a winner winner chicken dinner at the carnival today? Me! Check out the prize I won!”
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Tell someone that they’re lucky. “Winner winner chicken dinner” can also be a creative way to refer to someone you think is lucky—since “winning” is sometimes linked with being lucky or having good luck. So, if you consider someone lucky, you can comment on their good fortune by calling them a “Winner winner chicken dinner.” For example:^{[6]
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- “Winner winner chicken dinner, Ben! How’d you manage to score such good concert tickets?”
- “Wow, you got a new iPad for your birthday? Winner winner chicken dinner!”

Section 4 of 5:

“Winner Winner Chicken Dinner” in Movies

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The phrase became popular after its inclusion in the film 21 (2008). 21 is a heist drama film about a group of MIT students who become trained experts in card counting in Blackjack and go on to win millions in Las Vegas casinos. In the movie, “Winner winner chicken dinner” is described as the phrase Blackjack dealers call out when the movie’s protagonist wins a round.
- Some who are familiar with “Winner winner chicken dinner” recognize it from this film; however, it’s also been used in other movies, including Zookeeper (2011) and Tin Cup (1996).

Section 5 of 5:

“Winner Winner Chicken Dinner” in Video Games

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The phrase is used in PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG). PUBG is a popular battle royale game released in 2017. Its creator, Brendan “PlayerUnkown” Greene, has included “Winner winner chicken dinner” in many of the game’s battle royale modes; when a player is able to be the sole survivor of a match, the phrase is displayed as a celebratory victory message.
- Gamers familiar with “Winner winner chicken dinner” today likely know it from PUBG, which has popularized the phrase in recent years.