Why are fruit machines called puggies?

The term "puggy" for a fruit machine is believed to have originated in Australia and is thought to be a slang term derived from the word "pug", which in this context refers to a small, ugly person.

Here's a breakdown of the potential reasoning:

* Appearance: Early fruit machines, with their often garish designs and cluttered visuals, might have been seen as "ugly" or "unattractive" by some people, leading to the association with the term "pug."

* "Pugging" as a play: The term "pugging" was also used in Australia to describe a type of gambling game played in pubs. This game involved inserting a small, round object (like a button or a marble) into a small hole, and the outcome depended on where the object landed. This similarity to the way fruit machines operate might have contributed to the association.

* Slang evolution: Over time, the term "puggy" became a more widespread and accepted slang term for fruit machines in Australia. The exact origins of the term are still debated, but the above explanations offer plausible reasons for its evolution.

It's important to note that while the term "puggy" is commonly used in Australia, it's not widely used elsewhere. In other English-speaking countries, fruit machines are typically referred to as "slot machines" or simply "slots."