Stacks on stacks: Slang terms for money

Slang changes with each generation, and that includes slang terms for money. If your kids seem to be speaking a different language, especially when it comes to money, consult our handy list of popular slang terms for money and their origins.

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Slang terms for money

• Bread: This term dates back to the 1930s and refers to money as a means of sustenance, just like bread.

• Dough: Another food-related term, "dough" is slang for money, perhaps used to make bread or pastries. It first appeared in the early 1800s.

• Cheddar: Though the true origin is up for debate, cheddar has been used as slang for money since the early 1900s. One prevailing theory is that it refers to government cheese provided by welfare.

• Bucks: Short for "buckskin," which were commonly used as a unit of trade in the 1700s, this term refers to money as a valuable commodity.

• Moolah: This word was popularized in the 1930s by jazz and blues musicians, who used it as slang for money in their lyrics.

• Benjamins: This term comes from founding father Benjamin Franklin's appearance on the $100 bill. 

• Cabbage: Used since the early 1900s, this term might refer to money as something that can be harvested and used for sustenance. Or, maybe it’s just because it’s green.

• Scratch: “Scratch’s” origins are unclear but its use dates back to the early 1900s. Some theories say it refers to money in the sense of basic sustenance or starting from scratch.

Slang terms for specific amounts of money

• K: This abbreviation stands for "thousand" and is often used in the finance and business world.

• C-note: A slang term for a hundred-dollar bill, derived from the Roman numeral "C" for 100.

• Fiver: A British slang term for a five-pound note, referencing the number five.

• Grand: Perhaps short for "grand dollars," this term represents a thousand dollars.

• Stack: Refers to a large sum of money, represented as a stack of bills.

• Fin: Another word for a five-dollar note.

Pop culture slang references to money

• Bling: As slang, bling refers to flashy and expensive jewelry and accessories. 

• Benjamins: A slang term for money, referencing Benjamin Franklin's face on the hundred-dollar bill.

• Cash money: Rapper Lil Wayne was one of of the flagship artists for record label Cash Money. He also produced the song “Cash Money Millionaires.” 

• Loot: Often referring to spoils or stolen goods, loot is a large sum of money.

• Scrilla: Sometimes spelled “skrilla,” slang for cash or currency.

• Cheese: Similar to cheddar, refers to money as a means of survival.

• Guap: Especially popular among Gen Z and Gen Alpha, it's pronounced 'gwop' and it means a ridiculous amount of money, similar to “rack” or “milli.” 

• 'Fanum tax'. This comes from Twitch comedian Fanum, who's known for 'taxing' people by taking their food while eating. It's more of a running gag than a serious term, but it's still part of the money slang spectrum.

Want more money tips and tricks? Visit the Greenlight Learning Center for helpful resources on all things family, finance, and fun.