“It’s all about the Benjamins,” as Puff Daddy famously proclaimed. While you might not actually be referring to a friend named Ben, the sentiment rings true. Money, the lifeblood of our capitalist society, has spawned a rich tapestry of slang terms. From the streets to Wall Street, colorful nicknames for cash have become ingrained in our language.
But how fluent are you in the vernacular of value? Whether you’re penning the next rap anthem, crafting compelling content for your e-commerce platform, or simply aiming to spice up your everyday conversations, understanding money slang is key. Dive into this comprehensive guide to over 100 Slang Terms For Money, exploring their origins and usage.
01. Bacon
Likely due to its desirability and value, money is often playfully called “bacon.” It’s most commonly heard in the idiom “bring home the bacon,” signifying earning a living or providing for one’s family.
02. Bank
The direct association of “bank” with money makes this slang term self-explanatory. You might hear it used to express someone’s financial success, like: “Ever since he landed that Wall Street job, he’s been making bank.”
03. Bankroll
Originally referring to a supply of money to be used, “bankroll” has evolved to also simply mean money itself. For example: “I need to build up my bankroll before I can launch my startup.”
04. Bean
An older, somewhat archaic term for a dollar. While not frequently used today, you might encounter it in older literature or hear it from someone with a penchant for vintage slang.
05. Benjamins
This popular term refers to hundred-dollar bills, owing to the portrait of Benjamin Franklin gracing the note. Puff Daddy’s famous lyric solidified “Benjamins” in popular culture as a synonym for cash, especially large denominations.
06. Benji
A diminutive and more casual version of “Benjamins,” “Benji” also points to the hundred-dollar bill featuring Benjamin Franklin.
07. Big ones
Following the pattern of “grand” and “large,” “big ones” is used to denote $1,000. So, mentioning a “$20,000 car” could be casually phrased as a “20 big ones car.”
08. Bills
While technically money in general, “bills” is often used colloquially to specifically mean paper currency, and sometimes more specifically, hundred-dollar bills.
09. Bones
“Bones” can be used interchangeably with “dollars.” You might hear someone say, “Those sneakers cost me 200 bones.” The origin is less clear but adds a slightly edgy tone.
10. Boodle
This term carries a shady connotation, referring to illicit cash – think counterfeit money, stolen funds, or bribe money.
11. Brass (UK)
Originating from Northern Britain, “brass” is a regional slang term for money. Its roots are believed to stem from scrap metal dealers in the region who valued brass as a valuable material. This slang is linked to the saying, “Where there’s muck, there’s brass,” highlighting the idea of finding wealth in unexpected places.
12. Bread
“Bread,” a fundamental food, has been a synonym for money since at least the 19th century. Like “bacon,” it relates to the idea of earning a livelihood, as in “bringing home the bread.” You might hear: “She’s freelancing online to bring in the bread.”
13. Bucks
Perhaps the most ubiquitous slang term for dollars, “bucks” is thought to originate from early American colonists trading deerskins, also known as buckskins.
14. C-note
In Roman numerals, “C” represents 100. It’s derived from the Latin word “centum,” meaning “a hundred,” which also gave rise to the word “cent.” Hence, a “C-note” is a $100 bill.
15. Cabbage
The resemblance of tightly packed green bills to a head of cabbage might be the reason behind this slang term. Rapper Ludacris famously rapped about stacking “cabbage,” solidifying its place in money slang.
16. Cake
Elevating above “bread” and “dough,” “cake” suggests a more celebratory and desirable form of money, associating it with something sweet and enjoyable.
17. Cash (or cash money)
While straightforward, “cash” and “cash money” remain widely used slang terms for money, often emphasizing readily available funds.
18. Capital
Although “capital” is a formal term in business and finance, it can also be used informally as slang for money in general. Its use in slang broadens its meaning beyond just investment funds.
19. Celery
Joining “cabbage” and “lettuce” in the green veggie money club, “celery” is another slang term for cash. Rapper Jeezy famously boasted about “pockets full of celery,” further embedding it in popular slang.
20. Cha-ching
Evoking the satisfying sound of a cash register, “cha-ching” has become an onomatopoeic slang term for money itself, especially when referring to making sales or profits.
21. Chalupa
Primarily known as a delicious Mexican dish, “chalupa” has also surprisingly entered the realm of money slang. Its origin as a money term is less clear but adds a playful element.
22. Cheddar
To “have the cheddar” means to possess wealth or be financially successful. “Cheddar” as slang for money implies having a substantial amount of it.
23. Cheese
During periods of welfare benefits being distributed as cheese in America, “cheese” became a somewhat derogatory slang term for money, particularly government assistance.
24. Chips
Drawing a parallel to poker chips representing monetary value in gambling, “chips” has become a general slang term for money, especially in informal contexts.
25. Chump change
“Chump change” denotes a negligible or insignificant amount of money, the kind a “chump” (fool) might possess.
26. Clams
“Clams” is another slang term for dollars, similar to “bones” or “bucks.” You might hear someone complain, “My landlord just raised my rent by 200 clams!”
27. Cream
“Cream” stands for “Cash Rules Everything Around Me,” popularized by the Wu-Tang Clan in their influential 90s hit. The song “C.R.E.A.M.” explored the pervasive influence of money and the temptation to pursue it through illicit means.
28. Coin
When seeking to borrow a small amount, asking “Can I borrow some coin?” is a common and informal way to request money from a friend.
29. Dead presidents
American currency prominently features portraits of deceased presidents (and Benjamin Franklin and Alexander Hamilton). “Dead presidents” is a slang term referencing this, often used in hip-hop and street vernacular.
30. Dime
In the US, a dime is a ten-cent coin. However, “dime” as slang can represent money generally, or even an expense. The phrase “Not on my dime!” expresses disapproval of something being funded by one’s own money.
31. Dinero
Borrowed from Spanish, “dinero” directly translates to “money.” It gained popularity in the American Old West and remains a stylish and internationally flavored slang term for cash.
32. Dollar dollar bill y’all
This iconic phrase, popularized by a rap classic, is a playful and emphatic way to refer to dollar bills, emphasizing the pursuit of wealth.
33. Dosh (UK)
“Dosh” is a common British slang term for money, often used in informal conversation, similar to “bucks” in American English.
34. Dough
“Dough” is a widely recognized and long-standing slang term for money, likely evolving from “bread.” Its usage dates back to the mid-19th century, appearing in publications as early as 1851.
35. Dubs (or doubles or double sawbuck)
“Dubs” refers to twenty-dollar bills. So, “two dubs” would equal $40. “Double sawbuck” is a less common but more descriptive term for the same denomination.
36. Ducats
Historically, “ducats” were gold or silver coins used in Europe, particularly in Venice, from the Middle Ages onwards. While less common today, it evokes a sense of historical currency.
37. Ducketts
An Americanized pronunciation of “ducats,” “ducketts” can refer to poker chips or, more broadly, money, carrying a slightly old-fashioned or playful tone.
38. Fetti
“Fetti” is believed to be a mispronunciation of the Spanish word “feria,” which means coins in Mexico. It also might be linked to the image of money raining down like confetti when someone “makes it rain,” emphasizing abundance.
39. Figgas
“Figgas,” a hip-hop term, describes the number of figures in a monetary amount. It’s used to emphasize the scale of wealth.
40. Fins
“Fins” is slang for five-dollar bills. Its origin is likely rooted in the German word “Fünf” or Yiddish “Finnif,” both meaning five.
41. Five spot
“Five spot” directly and clearly refers to a five-dollar bill, a straightforward slang term for this denomination.
42. Fiver
Another synonym for a five-dollar bill, “fiver” is commonly used in casual conversation. For example, “I profit about a fiver on each coffee I sell.”
43. Folding stuff
“Folding stuff” is a descriptive term for paper money, highlighting its physical characteristic. “I can’t believe I spent so much folding stuff on groceries this week.”
44. Franklins
Revisiting Benjamin Franklin, “Franklins” is another slang term for the hundred-dollar bill featuring his portrait.
45. Frogskin
“Frogskin” is an older, more archaic term for dollar bills, possibly related to “greenback” due to the color association.
46. Funds
“Funds” is a general term for money, often used when discussing availability or lack thereof. “I’d love to travel, but I’m short on funds right now.”
47. G
Short for “grand,” “G” represents $1,000. “Five Gs” would mean $5,000. It’s a common abbreviation in informal financial discussions. (Note: “G” can also mean “gangster” in other slang contexts, unrelated to money).
48. Gelt
“Gelt” is a Yiddish word meaning “gold.” It’s commonly used to refer to money, both real and chocolate coins given during Hanukkah.
49. Gold
“Gold,” a precious metal historically associated with wealth, naturally became a slang term for money itself.
50. Gouda
Rapper E-40 coined “Gouda” as a slang term for money in his song “Gouda.” He further clarifies its meaning by listing numerous other money slang terms within the lyrics, highlighting its place amongst the lexicon of cash nicknames.
51. Grand
“Grand” is a widely used term for $1,000. Its origins trace back to the early 1900s, possibly popularized by the mob as a discreet way to refer to large sums of money. At the time, $1,000 was indeed a “grand” amount.
52. Grant
“Grant” specifically refers to a $50 bill, named after President Ulysses S. Grant, whose portrait is featured on the note.
53. Grease
To “grease someone’s palm” or “grease someone’s pockets” means to bribe them with money, often to facilitate a transaction or gain favor.
54. Green
“Green” is a direct reference to the color of US currency. “I’m short on green, can I pay you back next week?” is a common casual phrase.
55. Greenbacks
“Greenbacks” refers to a specific type of US currency printed during the Civil War. They were named “greenbacks” due to the green ink used on the back of the bills, distinguishing them from earlier currencies.
56. Guap
“Guap” (pronounced like “gwop”) signifies a large amount of money, often associated with wealth and success, particularly in hip-hop culture.
57. Gwala
Related to “guap” and “gwop,” “gwala” also means a stack of cash, emphasizing a visible quantity of money. “Grease his pockets with a little gwala” implies providing a substantial bribe.
58. Gwop
“Gwop” is an acronym for “George Washington On Paper,” referring to the first US president featured on the one-dollar bill. It’s a clever and somewhat playful slang term for money.
59. Hamilton
Alexander Hamilton, though not a president, graces the ten-dollar bill. “Hamilton” thus became slang for this denomination, particularly popularized by the musical “Hamilton.”
60. Jackson
“Jackson” refers to the twenty-dollar bill, featuring President Andrew Jackson. Similar to “Franklin” and “Hamilton,” it uses the historical figure on the bill as a nickname.
61. K
“K” stands for “kilo,” representing one thousand. In monetary slang, “K” means $1,000. “50K” would be $50,000.
62. Large
Similar to “grand” and “big ones,” “large” also signifies $1,000, often used in informal financial discussions.
63. Lettuce
“Lettuce,” like “cabbage” and “celery,” is another vegetable-based slang term for money, dating back as an older synonym for currency.
64. Long green
“Long green” is a descriptive slang term for cash, referencing both the color and rectangular shape of dollar bills.
65. Loot
“Loot” generally refers to stolen money or valuables, but in slang, it can broadly mean money or cash, sometimes with a playful or mischievous connotation.
66. Lucci
“Lucci,” often used by rappers, is a slang term for money, though its exact origin is unclear. Some speculate it’s slang for “lucre.”
67. Lucre
“Lucre,” often found in the phrase “filthy lucre,” refers to money or profit, particularly when gained dishonestly or through morally questionable means. While having slang-like connotations, it is a legitimate word related to “lucrative.”
68. M
“M” can be confusing as it’s the Roman numeral for 1,000. However, in money slang, “M” usually represents a million. “$3M” means $3,000,000.
69. MM (or MN)
“MM” or “MN” are abbreviations used, especially in banking and finance, to denote millions of dollars.
70. Mil
“Mil” is a common abbreviation for million when discussing dollar amounts. “$10 mil” means $10 million.
71. Moola (or moolah)
“Moola” or “moolah” is an old and widely recognized slang term for money. Its origin is uncertain, but it has been in use since at least the 1930s.
72. Nickel
“Nickel” refers to the five-cent coin made of nickel. In slang, it can represent $5 or $500, especially in the context of gambling or drug-related slang.
73. Nuggets
“Nuggets,” likely referencing gold nuggets, is a slang term for money. It evokes the idea of valuable pieces or chunks of wealth.
74. Ones
“Ones” simply means one-dollar bills. “Can you break a twenty? I need some ones for the vending machine.”
75. Paper
“Paper” refers to the material dollar bills are printed on, thus becoming a slang term for money itself. “Chasing paper” is a common phrase referring to pursuing wealth.
76. Pesos
“Pesos,” the official currency of Mexico, is sometimes used in American slang to refer to dollars, especially in regions with significant Mexican-American populations.
77. Quid (UK)
“Quid” is the primary slang term for the British pound sterling in the UK. Its origin is debated, but it has been used since the late 17th century.
78. Rack
“Rack” refers to $1,000 or more in cash, often implying a stack of bills.
79. Resources
“Resources” can be used as a sophisticated-sounding slang term for money, often when discussing financial limitations. “I don’t have the resources for that vacation right now.”
80. Riches
“Riches” is a term for wealth or money, often used when trying to sound like one possesses a significant amount. It’s technically a synecdoche, using a part (riches) to represent the whole (wealth).
81. Salad
“Salad,” joining the ranks of “lettuce,” “cabbage,” and “celery,” is another vegetable-inspired slang term for money, completing the “money as produce” theme.
82. Sawbucks
“Sawbucks” is slang for a ten-dollar bill. The term comes from the “sawhorse,” which resembles the Roman numeral “X” (for ten) that was once printed on the back of ten-dollar bills. “Buck” then reinforces the “dollar” association.
83. Scratch
“Scratch” has been used as slang for money since the early 20th century, although its exact origin is unknown. One theory suggests it refers to “starting from scratch,” implying money as the foundation for everything.
84. Shekels
“Shekels” is a biblical currency, also currently used in Israel. The word “shekel” originates from the Hebrew term for “weight.” It’s used in English slang, sometimes with a slightly exotic or historical flavor.
85. Simoleon
“Simoleon” is an older slang term for “dollar,” often associated with old-time American gangster movies and vernacular.
86. Skrilla (or scrilla or scrill)
“Skrilla” (and variations) is a slang term for money or cash, particularly popularized in rap music starting in the 1990s. Its origin remains uncertain.
87. Smackers
“Smackers” is an East Coast slang term for dollars, sometimes used in a slightly old-fashioned or stereotypical way. It implies enough cash to be impactful, perhaps enough to “smack” someone with.
88. Spondulix
“Spondulix” is a 19th-century slang term for money with various spellings including “spondulicks,” “spondoolicks,” etc. “Spondoolies” is a particularly playful variation.
89. Stacks
Similar to “racks,” “stacks” also means $1,000, referring to stacks of bills. “That repair job cost me three stacks.”
90. Stash
“Stash” refers primarily to money that is hidden away, saved, or not immediately accessible.
91. Tamales
“Tamales” was once a slang term for dollars, though it is rarely used today, representing a piece of linguistic history.
92. Ten spot
“Ten spot” directly refers to a ten-dollar bill, a clear and concise slang term for this denomination.
93. Tender
“Tender” is derived from the more formal term “legal tender,” referring to officially recognized currency.
94. Tenners
“Tenners” is the plural form, referring to ten-dollar bills. “Can I get two tenners for this twenty?”
95. Treasure
“Treasure,” associated with pirates and hidden wealth, is a fanciful and dramatic slang term for money.
96. Wad
“Wad” refers to a thick bundle of cash, large enough to be rolled into a “wad.”
97. Wampum
“Wampum” refers to polished shells used by Native Americans, sometimes as currency. While historically used as slang for money, it now more commonly refers to marijuana in modern slang.
98. Wonga (UK)
“Wonga” is a UK slang term for money originating from the Romani word for “coal.” “Coal” itself was also historically used as a British slang term for money.
99. Yaper
“Yaper” is slang that typically refers to drug money, carrying a specific connotation related to illicit activities.
100. Yard
“Yard” usually signifies $100, but can sometimes refer to $1 billion, particularly in financial jargon. It’s crucial to understand context when this term is used.
From “Benjamins” to “bones,” this lexicon of money slang showcases the creative and ever-evolving nature of language. Understanding these terms not only enriches your vocabulary but also provides a cultural insight into how we perceive and talk about that ever-important commodity: money.
Mendy Shlomo, eCommerce Blogger at Wix
Mendy manages Wix’s eCommerce Blog, bringing his journalism background into the dynamic world of online business, content strategy, and SEO.
