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Re:Fail Slower: The Dangers of Punting Too Early by ibagrak on Wednesday June 30, 2010 @10:18AM (#1474869)
It means to give up. To punt on something is to set it aside or to give up on it. At least that the definition I was going for. :)
Re:Fail Slower: The Dangers of Punting Too Early by ErrantX on Wednesday June 30, 2010 @10:23AM (#1474880)
In the UK to "have a punt" can mean to take a risk on something.
Re:Fail Slower: The Dangers of Punting Too Early by Grinnmarr on Wednesday June 30, 2010 @12:12PM (#1475297)
In the UK "punting" is an oft used slang term for frequenting prostitutes. A "punter" is akin to a "john" here in the states.
Re:Fail Slower: The Dangers of Punting Too Early by ErrantX on Wednesday June 30, 2010 @12:37PM (#1475379)
Erm. I wouldn't say we use it that way more than the version I pointed out.

I think it is southern uk slang if my etymology serves me right.

EDIT: also, we usually use punter (nowadays anyway) to refer to someone buying any service. Usually it is used in the context of smaller businesses (market stalls, sideshows, fairs etc.)

Re:Fail Slower: The Dangers of Punting Too Early by RiderOfGiraffes on Wednesday June 30, 2010 @10:28AM (#1474896)
Interesting.

In Australian Rules Football, and to a lesser extent in Rubgy and Gaelic football, a "punt" is a kick which is most commonly used in an attacking manner.

As a verb, "Punt" can also mean:

+ A kick of a football

+ A method of propelling a boat with a pole

+ To place a bet, usually at long odds, or a risky one

As a noun it can be:

+ The former unit of money in Ireland

+ An open flat-bottomed boat (usually propelled with a pole)

+ The dent in the bottom of a wine bottle

Your usage matches that I've seen here before, but is not one with which I'm familiar. I wonder if it's preculiarly and specifically North American. In particular, though, it's the exact opposite of other meanings in other parts of the world.

Re:Fail Slower: The Dangers of Punting Too Early by Mc_Big_G on Wednesday June 30, 2010 @10:36AM (#1474925)
+ To place a bet, usually at long odds, or a risky one

So that's what they mean on "Dragon's Den" when they say "It's a punt for me.". I guess I assumed something similar, but was never really sure.