Mud-club

Chat & Social => The Bar - General Chat => Topic started by: robbie on April 29, 2004, 23:54:32

Title: Todays useless fact
Post by: robbie on April 29, 2004, 23:54:32

What is the origin of the expression "blue chip"?

Blue chip stocks are typically thought to be the issues floated by the large, reliable, good-return companies -- historically, the General Motors, IBM, Dow Chemical, etc. (bell-wethers all).

We'd be willing to bet (an especially apt figure of speech, as it turns out) that those "blue chip" companies would rather not be asked where the term "blue chip" itself comes from. The phrase dates back to 1904, and comes from the blue chips used as the (everyone sitting down?) ... highest denomination chips in poker games. Poker, as in gambling, as in bet your money and lose your shirt. "Blue chip" stocks today may be the most stable and valuable stocks, but the folks who started using the expression on the Stock Exchange evidently were well aware that the similarities between their enterprise and a high-stakes poker game ran deep.

Title: Todays useless fact
Post by: oakeedokee on April 30, 2004, 18:44:15

Personally I always avoid blue chips. And ones with 'orrible black bits on 'em too. :lol:

Title: Todays useless fact
Post by: robbie on April 30, 2004, 22:34:20

he he he, avoid frozen chips too, they can upset your stomach if not cooked properly :)

Title: Todays useless fact
Post by: strapping young lad on April 30, 2004, 23:30:40

ta robbie it explains a lot to me now

wouldnt you think though that not many people actually know the term and use it cos its trendy?