Origin of an expression

string · May 13, 2009, 3:31pm

-- Last Updated: May-13-09 12:42 PM EST --

"Doing it in spades".
I could not find it .

kfsrmn · May 13, 2009, 3:33pm

Cards

pblanc · May 13, 2009, 4:14pm

in spades
The expression “in spades” generally refers to some superlative act or condition and I believe originates from card games such as Contract Bridge in which spades is the highest-ranked suit.

system · May 13, 2009, 5:03pm

Squential usage
It first arose as a derrigatory name for African Americans meaning a darker skinned African American with spades bing used because it is black. The term then became applied later for the reason cited above. Taken from “Words To Rhw Wise”