Definition
A deadly game in which a person loads a single bullet in the cylinder of a revolver, spins the cylinder so that the bullet's location is unknown, points the muzzle at his/her head, and pulls the trigger. In its most lethal form, played by multiple participants each of whom takes a turn until the weapon discharges.
Origins
From roulette, a game of chance involving a revolving wheel. The first description is apparently in "The Fatalist," an 1840 short story by Russian writer Mikhail Lermontov.
See Also
- tempt fate
- court disaster
How People Actually Use It
A game where a revolver with one bullet is placed and spun. Then you take turns putting the gun to your head and pull the trigger. If it's empty, you pass it on until someone dies or becomes extremely injured.
"Peter: Russian Roulette, three bullets to the head, last man standing gets the trophy. Me first! No wait... this is crazy. You first..."
Source: Urban Dictionary