Could one of you erudite etymologists tell me the origin of the word vig? As in, usurious interest rate applied by loan sharks? Is it an acronym? A bastardization of a foreign word? Thanks.
According to American Slang by Robert Champman, vig or vigorish or viggerish is probably from a Yiddish word that is derived from Russian vyigrysh meaning “profit” or “winnings”.
I’m neither erudite nor an etymologist but Dictionary.com credits Yiddish slang, from the Russian.
Now ask where the term “nut” comes from … if you dare! 
Evan Morris’s take on it.
He says,
This seems as likely to me unless someone comes up with a quote prior to the 30’s.
Thanks to all. Points to bibliophage for the bitchin’ name.
I forgot to add that the “Kosher Mafia” to which I referred is sometimes called “La Kosher Nostra.” 