Bridge players have a lot of words that are exclusive to the game, and these words would confuse anyone who has never played before.

Words like “rubber” and “kibitz” can seem alien to the brand new bridge player. They might even seem like dirty words or insults. Relax if you are new to bridge: A simple list of bridge terminology can set you straight and tell you what the heck a kibitzer means.

But if words like kibitzer aren’t insults to bridge players, which ones are?

I always enjoy digging into etymology and new words or phrases, especially as a writer. Words can be fun. Insults can be fun, too, as long as you don’t intend to use them on anyone.

Here are 3 things you should never call a bridge player – and why.

1. LOL

If you see the words “lol” anywhere else on the internet, it’s likely to be internet short-hand for “laughing out loud.” That’s something that most people who have been around the internet for a while will already know.

Alternate versions exist: In French, one would use the term MDR: Mort de rire, or died laughing.

Within online bridge, the term LOL can have another meaning: Little Old Lady.

It traces back to the myth that bridge is for older people. The same myth is often said of bingo, and it’s completely BS for both.

When you call someone a LOL, you’re basically calling them old, feeble, and ancient in their playing.

Don’t do it!

2. Mama-Papa

The term “mama-papa” is an insult that gets reserved for serious tournament players.

When heard outside of bridge, the term “mom-and-pop” refers to retail. These are stores that are family-owned or run, By definition, these are smaller (and with less room on the playing field) than their larger corporate counterparts in town.

Can you see where this turns into an insult for a tournament bridge player?

If the term “mama-papa” appears in bridge, it insults them as casual bridge players. Smaller, and with less room on the playing field than so-called more serious bridgeurs.

That’s a sure way to cause a bigger fight at the bridge table.

Just don’t do it.

3. Palooka

The term “palooka” is an insult that you very well might hear outside the world of bridge, although it’s not popular in all parts of the world.

Have you ever heard the term before now?

The word has its origins rooted in the fictional character of Joe Palooka the Boxer.

Once upon a time, it was a popular comic strip depicting a slightly dim-witted boxer and his regular (mis)adventures. The insult almost seems to be more well known than where it originally came from!

More specifically, the term evolved to become a general sporting insult. From there, it moved from sports like boxing into the game of bridge.

When someone gets called a palooka, it’s an insult to their ability to think – and bridge is a mind-game.

Have you heard any bridge-related insults that I missed for the list?