Parlay vs. Parley — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 19, 2023
A "parlay" is primarily a betting term, referring to reinvesting winnings from one bet to another. A "parley" denotes a discussion, especially between opponents. Though sounding alike, their meanings differ greatly.
Difference Between Parlay and Parley
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Key Differences
"Parlay" finds its roots in the world of betting and gambling. When one takes the winnings from one bet and uses them as the stake for a subsequent bet, they're said to "parlay" their winnings. "Parley", on the contrary, speaks to the realm of conversation and dialogue, especially between two opposing parties.
In the gaming context, to "parlay" is to double down, banking on continued success. It's a strategy often used by gamblers aiming to maximize potential profits. "Parley", however, harks back to times of truce in wars or battles, where enemies would hold a "parley" to discuss terms or negotiate.
The contexts in which one might encounter "parlay" and "parley" are quite distinct. While "parlay" is a term you'd likely hear in a casino or among betters, "parley" would be more common in historical narratives, diplomatic contexts, or fiction involving pirates.
Phonetically, "parlay" and "parley" sound almost identical, which can lead to confusion. Their etymology, however, provides some distinction: "parlay" likely originates from the French "paroli", while "parley" is believed to derive from the Old French "parler", meaning "to speak".
Comparison Chart
Definition
A bet in which winnings are reinvested
A discussion between two opposing sides
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Context
Gambling
Diplomacy, negotiations
Origin
From French "paroli"
From Old French "parler"
Usage
"She decided to parlay her winnings."
"The two leaders had a parley."
Phonetics
Sounds almost identical to "parley"
Sounds almost identical to "parlay"
Compare with Definitions
Parlay
To transform a skill or asset into something of greater value.
He managed to parlay his connections into a successful career.
Parley
A discussion or conference, especially between enemies.
The two kings held a parley to prevent a war.
Parlay
To reinvest winnings from a previous bet.
She decided to parlay her initial earnings.
Parley
To discuss terms with an opponent.
The general decided to parley with the rebels.
Parlay
A term used in sports betting for a single bet linking two or more individual bets.
His football parlay was looking promising.
Parley
A diplomatic conversation to resolve disagreements.
The two countries scheduled a parley to discuss trade terms.
Parlay
Turn an initial stake or winnings from a previous bet into (a greater amount) by gambling
Parlaying a small bankroll into big winnings
Parley
A meeting for a discussion, usually in a formal setting.
The captains had a parley about the route.
Parlay
A cumulative series of bets in which winnings accruing from each transaction are used as a stake for a further bet.
Parley
A parley (from French: parler – "to speak") refers to a discussion or conference, especially one designed to end an argument or hostilities between two groups of people. The term can be used in both past and present tense; in present tense the term is referred to as parleying.
Parlay
To bet (an original wager and its winnings) on a subsequent event.
Parley
A conference between opposing sides in a dispute, especially a discussion of terms for an armistice
A parley is in progress and the invaders may withdraw
Parlay
To use to great advantage or transform into something better
Parlayed some small investments into a large fortune.
Parley
Hold a conference with the opposing side to discuss terms
They disagreed over whether to parley with the enemy
Parlay
A bet comprising the sum of a prior wager plus its winnings or a series of bets made in such a manner.
Parley
A discussion or conference, especially one between enemies over terms of truce or other matters.
Parlay
To carry forward the stake and winnings from a bet on to a subsequent wager or series of wagers.
Parley
To have a discussion, especially with an enemy.
Parlay
To increase (an asset, money, etc.) by gambling or investing in a daring manner.
Shall we parlay the value of our products?
Parley
A conference, especially one between enemies.
Parlay
To convert (a situation, thing, etc.) into something better.
Parley
(intransitive) To have a discussion, especially one between enemies.
Parlay
(intransitive) parley
Parley
Mutual discourse or conversation; discussion; hence, an oral conference with an enemy, as with regard to a truce.
We yield on parley, but are stormed in vain.
Parlay
A bet or series of bets where the stake and winnings are cumulatively carried forward; an accumulator.
Parley
To speak with another; to confer on some point of mutual concern; to discuss orally; hence, specifically, to confer orally with an enemy; to treat with him by words, as on an exchange of prisoners, an armistice, or terms of peace.
They are at hand,To parley or to fight; therefore prepare.
Parlay
To wager the winnings plus the initial stake of one bet on a subsequent wager, or to engage in a series of such increased wagers.
Parley
A negotiation between enemies
Parlay
To exploit success in one endeavor so as to achieve greater success in subsequent endeavors.
Parley
Discuss, as between enemies
Parlay
Fig., to transform a gain into something of greater value.
Parley
A conversation or chat.
Their afternoon parley was enlightening.
Parlay
The act of betting the winnings from a prior bet, plus the original stake, on a subsequent bet; the second or later such bet in a series; also, a series of such bets, with the stakes for later bets coming from the winnings of earlier bets.
Parlay
Stake winnings from one bet on a subsequent wager
Parlay
A cumulative series of bets.
His successful parlay turned $10 into $1000.
Parlay
A betting strategy to increase potential winnings.
His daring parlay paid off big time.
Common Curiosities
Do "parlay" and "parley" sound the same?
Yes, they're homophones but have different meanings.
Can "parlay" be used outside of gambling contexts?
Yes, it can mean leveraging any advantage into a greater advantage.
Can I "parlay" my investments?
In a figurative sense, yes, if you reinvest profits for greater gains.
Is "parley" a commonly used term today?
It's less common and often seen in historical or formal contexts.
Is a "parley" always between enemies?
No, while historically it often referred to discussions between opponents, it can be any formal discussion.
Is it risky to "parlay" in betting?
Parlay bets can be riskier since all linked bets must win.
Does a "parlay" bet involve multiple games?
Yes, a parlay bet links two or more individual bets.
Can "parley" mean casual chatting?
While it generally denotes formal discussions, it can sometimes mean casual chatting.
Are "parlay" and "parley" of French origin?
Yes, both have roots in the French language.
Can "parlay" also mean to turn a small advantage into a significant one?
Yes, like parlaying a small role into a major film career.
Can "parley" be used in diplomatic contexts?
Absolutely, it often refers to discussions between diplomats.
Is "parlay" specific to a type of sport?
No, it's a betting term that can be applied to various sports.
In what scenarios is "parley" commonly used?
Historical narratives, diplomatic talks, or pirate tales.
Is "parley" always a peaceful discussion?
Typically, yes, it denotes a peaceful, albeit sometimes tense, discussion.
Which is more common, "parlay" or "parley"?
"Parlay" is more commonly heard today, especially in betting contexts.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
