Definition

Noun 1. (plural, dice games) The specific outcome in dice games where both dice show six spots (the highest possible roll on two standard six-sided dice). - Example: "He rolled boxcars and won the game instantly." 2. (plural, slang) A term used to denote the number twelve, derived from the dice outcome. - Example: "The temperature dropped to boxcars last night."

Usage

• The term is almost exclusively used in its plural form, "boxcars", even when referring to a single event.
• It is primarily used in the context of games involving two dice, like craps or backgammon.
• It can be used metaphorically or in slang to indicate the number twelve or a large, maximum amount.

Examples

• In gaming context:
  • "I needed a seven to win, but I rolled boxcars instead."
  • "The worst initial roll in Monopoly is boxcars because you have to pay a tax."
• In metaphorical/slang context:
  • "My old truck has a boxcars engine under the hood." (implying a large, powerful engine, often a V12).

Advanced Usage

• "To hit boxcars": To roll a twelve.
  • "The shooter hit boxcars on his first throw."
• "Crapped out on boxcars": In craps, to lose immediately by rolling a twelve on the first roll (in some game variations).
  • "His luck was terrible; he crapped out on boxcars."

Variants and Related Words

• Midnight: Another slang term for rolling a twelve in dice, though less common than "boxcars".
• Snake eyes: The opposite outcome, where both dice show one spot (a roll of two).

Synonyms

• Twelve (the numerical equivalent).
• Double six (a descriptive term for the dice roll).

Related Phrases

• "See the boxcars": To witness or roll a twelve.
  • "I haven't seen the boxcars all night; the dice are cold."

Idioms

• "Coming up boxcars": Succeeding or achieving the maximum possible result, not limited to dice.
  • "If this deal closes, our profits will be coming up boxcars this quarter."

Noun

1. (usually plural) an expression used when two dice are thrown and both come up showing six spots