An extra charge or interest on a bet or loan, typically by a bookmaker or loan shark
Examples:
The vigorish on the loan was a steep 20%.Bookies often charge a vigorish on winning bets.She negotiated the vigorish down with her lender.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Vigorous
/ˈvɪɡərəs/
Showing strong, energetic, and active characteristics
Examples:
The debate was vigorous and full of compelling points.Her vigorous workout routine amazed the fitness trainer.The rescue dog exhibited vigorous energy during training.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
Vigorish refers to a fee or interest, often associated with gambling, whereas vigorous describes a strong, healthy level of activity or force.
Remember that vigorous is an adjective and usually describes a person or activity, while vigorish is a noun related to a financial term or gaming context.
If youre talking about energy or intensity, vigorous is the word you want. But if youre discussing money or loans, consider vigorish.
Think of vigorous with an o for outstanding energy or effort, while vigorish has an i for interest or informal charge.
Both words share the root vigor implying strength or effort, but their applications help differentiate them: one is financial, the other physical.