Money Slang: Meanings, Context, and Usage Notes

Money (colloquial, plural of "grandmother," but used for money)

Money (informal, literally "light/bulb", used as a slang term)

One hundred dollar bills ($100, referring to Benjamin Franklin)

Money (similar to "dough"). Tied to money, status, or spending talk in casual conversation. It is commonly discussed in USA contexts

Dollars (general term). Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in USA contexts

Cash (less common, but heard in some circles). Tied to money, status, or spending talk in casual conversation. It is commonly discussed in India contexts

Money (often used in hip-hop culture). Tied to money, status, or spending talk in casual conversation. It is commonly discussed in USA contexts

Money (specifically dirhams, but used generally in UAE/Gulf)

Wealth; money (more formal, but also used in casual contexts)

Money or wealth. Tied to money, status, or spending talk in casual conversation. It is commonly discussed in French contexts

General term for money; cash. Tied to money, status, or spending talk in casual conversation. It is commonly discussed in UK contexts

General term for money. Tied to money, status, or spending talk in casual conversation. It is commonly discussed in USA contexts

Small change (money); to break a large bill. Tied to money, status, or spending talk in casual conversation. It is commonly discussed in Middle East contexts

Money behavior that warns of future problems in a relationship

A five-pound note (£5). Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in UK contexts

Money (very common in Egyptian, Moroccan, and other dialects)

A very common, slightly older term for cash. Tied to money, status, or spending talk in casual conversation. It is commonly discussed in French contexts

Money (another common variant, often used across dialects)

One thousand pounds (£1,000). Also used in US. Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in UK contexts

US Dollar bills (referring to their color). Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in USA contexts

See grind. Also, to deceive or manipulate someone to gain an advantage

Scrap; junk; but sometimes used sarcastically for a small amount of money

One crore (10,000,000) rupees (literally "empty box/shell"). Often used approvingly among peers; can sound exaggerated or ironic online. It is commonly discussed in India contexts

Money; cash. Tied to money, status, or spending talk in casual conversation. It is commonly discussed in Africa contexts

Money, especially cash. Tied to money, status, or spending talk in casual conversation. It is commonly discussed in UK contexts

The Canadian one-dollar coin, named after the loon bird depicted on its face

Money or valuables, especially if acquired illicitly or as spoils

Stuff; goods; also used for money (informal, sometimes implying illicit money)

Money (common in Levantine Arabic - Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Palestine)

Very rich; having a lot of money. Tied to money, status, or spending talk in casual conversation. It is commonly discussed in UK contexts

£500 (London slang, historically from Indian Rupees). Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in UK contexts

Money, cash. Tied to money, status, or spending talk in casual conversation. It is commonly discussed in USA contexts

Money (more formal, but understood and sometimes used informally)

Money. Literally means "sorrel" (the herb), similar to using "bread" or "dough" in English

Money (general term, also a specific coin denomination)

Money, especially banknotes. Tied to money, status, or spending talk in casual conversation. It is commonly discussed in USA contexts

One lakh (100,000) rupees (literally "suitcase" or "box")

Dollars. Derived from "piastres," used exclusively in French-speaking Canada

£25 (Cockney rhyming slang origin, historical). Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in UK contexts

One British Pound (£1). Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in UK contexts

Ready money; cash in hand. Tied to money, status, or spending talk in casual conversation. It is commonly discussed in UK contexts

Expensive. Verlan for "cher.". Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in French contexts

Cash; hard cash (informal). Tied to money, status, or spending talk in casual conversation. It is commonly discussed in India contexts

Rupees (general term, often used informally). Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in India contexts

Money. Tied to money, status, or spending talk in casual conversation. It is commonly discussed in UK contexts

Money, cash. Tied to money, status, or spending talk in casual conversation. It is commonly discussed in USA contexts

A ten-pound note (£10). Informal shorthand whose exact tone depends on who is speaking and where it appears. It is commonly discussed in UK contexts

Common slang for money (originally referred to a 5-franc coin)

The Canadian two-dollar coin (a play on "loonie" because it is worth two dollars)

Recovery of money, often through informal or coercive means

Money (often used informally). Tied to money, status, or spending talk in casual conversation. It is commonly discussed in UK contexts