I’m not a mathematician but I’m sure there has to be a direct relationship between the degree to which we desire something to the number of euphemisms and clichés we develop to describe it – get your mind out of the gutter, we’re talking about money!
There are all kinds of slang terms to discuss this topic – cash, cabbage, greenbacks, simoleons, dough, legal tender, coinage, you know the mean green. It is the stuff dreams made of and songs are written about since ‘Money Changes Everything’ and not only for a ‘Material Girl’ but for everyone who secretly wants to ‘Take the Money and Run.’ So sit back and enjoy our list of the top ten money phrases.
Funny Money Talk
Filthy Rich – This has nothing to do with the wealthy having poor hygiene habits. It means having a lot of money, or being extremely wealthy.
Small Potatoes – Tiny tubers no longer have anything to do with this term which means a small or insignificant amount of funds. You know, chump change.
Penny Pincher – This has little to do with the sexual harassment of loose change. It does however refer to a stingy person, like a tightwad or cheapskate.
Bottom Dollar – Surprisingly this term is not about the quarter you put under the leg of a table to level it. It means the largest denomination bill you have on you. It comes from the idea of keeping money folded with the biggest bills in the middle of the wad.
Made of Money – This has nothing to do with your father’s concern about your vision, even if you have heard this phrase as, “Do I look like I’m made of money?” The filthy stinking rich on the other hand are made of money, as in they have a lot of it.
Cash Cow – If cows could talk they would be as concerned as your father about your eyesight because there is after all no such thing as a bovine bank. However something that is guaranteed to bring in gobs of greenbacks is said to be a cash cow.
Easy Money – This is not the type of money you hope for on a first date, or maybe it is since it refers to money that’s acquired with very little effort.
Mad Money – This is not cash in need of an attitude adjustment or a sedative. It is extra money that is kept stashed away for emergencies.
Money Talks – Sorry those voices you’re hearing is not your money talking to you. While cash doesn’t actually have the power of speech it does a good job of gaining attention for those who give it out.
Funny Money – Even if money could talk it doesn’t have much of a sense of humor. The funny here means fake, as in counterfeit.
This list may not help you manage your finances better, but it can help you when it comes to talking about them.
Photo Credit: flickr
