Croupier
/ˈkruːpi.eɪ/noun
A casino employee who runs a table game, especially by dealing cards or handling bets.
Did you know?The word began in French as a term for someone who stood at the back of a person or carriage, then moved into gambling as the person positioned behind the dealer—proof that words can quietly change from body position to power position.
Etymological Timeline
Old French
Old French
croupier
“A person who stands behind someone; later, an assistant at a gambling table.”
Late Latin
Latin
cruppa
“The rump or hindquarters of an animal.”
Proto-Celtic
PCelt
*kruppā
“Back, rump, or rounded hind part.”
Modern English
English
croupier
“A casino employee who manages bets and deals cards at a gaming table.”