Legal Writing

Parley and Parlay

By Maeve Maddox

Suzanne Raymer has suggested a post on parley versus parlay.

Both words may be used as either noun or verb.

As a noun, parley can mean “speech” or “conversation.” It’s most common use is to mean speech between opposing sides, a conference with an enemy to discuss terms. As a verb it means “to discuss terms,” or “hold discussion with.”

Parlay is a betting term. As a noun, it means “a cumulative series of bets.” The winnings of subsequent bets are bet again. As the bettor continues to win, the gains continue to increase. As a verb, parlay means “to use the winnings from a previous bet to make another bet.”

Parley [pär'l?] is from French parler, “to speak.”

Parlay [pär'l?'] comes from French parole which comes from Italian parole, “words, promises.” Parlay entered English in 1701 as a term in the card game faro. The gambling term took on the meaning “to exploit to advantage” in 1942.

Uses of parlay:

David Lusterman parlayed a $10000 investment into a company with $1.2 million in revenues

Witness Bill Blount parlayed political skills into a mega-dollar business

She parlayed a $350 investment into a multi-million dollar business?

Uses of parley:

Governors seek fresh parley with teachers

German politicians plan June parley with Hamas minister

For the moment they are parleying with the king’s brother-in-law

Full post as published by Daily Writing Tips on October 13, 2010 (boomark / email).