boodle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, slang
Quick answer
What does “boodle” mean?
A large amount of money, especially money that is gained or spent illegally or dishonestly.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large amount of money, especially money that is gained or spent illegally or dishonestly.
A collection or lot of things, especially money; also historically used to mean counterfeit money or a bribe.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in American English, particularly in historical/crime contexts. In British English, it is understood but rarely used in contemporary speech.
Connotations
Both varieties associate it with illicit money, but American usage has stronger ties to political corruption (e.g., 'the boodle brigade').
Frequency
Very low frequency in both, but slightly higher recognition in AmE due to historical political slang.
Grammar
How to Use “boodle” in a Sentence
Verb + boodle: stash the boodle, split the boodlePreposition + boodle: with the boodle, in boodleVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used in formal business contexts.
Academic
Only in historical or criminology studies discussing corruption.
Everyday
Very rare; might be used humorously or in crime dramas.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “boodle”
- Using it to mean a legitimate salary or savings.
- Assuming it is common modern slang.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is quite rare and mostly found in historical contexts or crime fiction.
No, that is a common confusion with 'caboodle' as in 'the whole kit and caboodle'.
No, it is etymologically unrelated. 'Boodle' likely comes from Dutch 'boedel' (property).
Not offensive, but it is informal slang with negative connotations of corruption.
A large amount of money, especially money that is gained or spent illegally or dishonestly.
Boodle is usually informal, slang in register.
Boodle: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbuːd(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbud(ə)l/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “On the boodle: involved in corruption.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a poodle with a suitcase full of BOOty and DOLLars = BOODLE.
Conceptual Metaphor
MONEY IS A CORRUPTING OBJECT.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'boodle' most appropriately used?