Dictionary

chalk eater en · NOUN

Etymology

From the betting odds being written in chalk.

Meanings

1. (slang) One who bets on racehorses that are favourites to win.
   • At six major race tracks across the nation, chalk-eaters (form players) were choking last weekend over a straight flush of longshots. 1949, Time, volume 54, page 36:
   • Of horse players and the ragged army of grifters, touts and downright swindlers who attach themselves to the noble sport of kings there is no end of stories. Get a few of the chalk eaters and long shot hounds together during a lull in the day's occupation—picking the next day's card of winners—and the tales begin to come, thick and fast. 1953, Mac Davis, Say it Ain't So!, page 149:

Forms

Synonyms

chalk player