The expression "no dice" is a colloquial phrase that means no success or no chance. The word "dice" is spelled with a voiced consonant /d/ followed by a voiced sibilant /z/. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is represented as /daɪs/. The pronunciation of the word "no" has an unvoiced consonant /n/ followed by a close-mid back rounded vowel /oʊ/. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is represented as /noʊ/. When combined, "no dice" is pronounced as /noʊ daɪs/.
The phrase "no dice" is an idiomatic expression, typically used in informal contexts, to convey a negative outcome or disappointment. It is commonly used to indicate that an attempt at achieving something has been unsuccessful or that one's expectations or desires are not being fulfilled.
The origins of this expression are rooted in the game of dice, a form of gambling in which players place bets on the outcome of rolling a set of dice. "No dice" suggests that in the game, the desired outcome of a certain roll did not occur and the player did not win the bet. Over time, the expression has expanded and is no longer solely used in reference to dice games.
This phrase is frequently employed in relation to situations where someone's request, proposal, or plan is rejected or denied. It can also express a lack of agreement or support for an idea, often indicating that someone's efforts have been in vain. For example, if someone were to ask for a favor and the response was "no dice," it would mean the request has been denied. Similarly, if someone suggests a plan of action and another person responds with "no dice," it signifies a lack of agreement or a refusal to comply. Overall, "no dice" serves as a succinct and colloquial way to convey disappointment or refusal in various everyday situations.
The phrase "no dice" originated in the 1920s as American slang. Its etymology is not entirely clear, but there are a few theories about its origin.
One theory suggests that "no dice" originated from the game of craps, where dice are used. In craps, players roll dice to determine the outcome of bets. If a player doesn't roll the desired numbers, they would say "no dice", indicating that they did not succeed.
Another theory links "no dice" to another game called chuck-a-luck, which also involves dice. In this game, players would shout "no dice" if they lost.
Yet another theory suggests that the phrase comes from the concept of gambling in general. In gambling, if a player doesn't win or is not successful, they might say "no dice" to express their disappointment or lack of luck.