Definition of want in

The phrase "want in" originates from the world of poker, where it is commonly used to express a player's desire to join a game in progress. The term "want in" has its roots in the 19th century when poker became popular in the United States. In those days, poker games were often held in saloons or private clubs and were exclusively for men. When a player who had just entered the establishment saw a group of men playing poker, he would ask the dealer, "Do you want 'em in?". This request was made because the dealer had the discretion to allow new players to join the game or to refuse them. The phrase "want in" became shorthand for this request and has since been adopted by popular culture. Outside of poker, "want in" is often used metaphorically to express a desire to be part of a group, organization, or project. It implies a sense of exclusivity and can imply a certain level of competence or expertise required to join the group. Today, the term "want in" has become a ubiquitous phrase in modern English and is widely used in various contexts.