do-re-mi: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (both meanings)Informal, Colloquial, Humorous, Slang (for money); Technical (music)
Quick answer
What does “do-re-mi” mean?
The first three syllables (do, re, mi) used in the solfège system for teaching musical pitch and scales.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The first three syllables (do, re, mi) used in the solfège system for teaching musical pitch and scales.
A humorous, informal, or slang term for money.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The slang meaning for money is almost exclusively American in origin and historical usage. The musical term is universal.
Connotations
In AmE, 'do-re-mi' (money) carries a folksy, old-fashioned, sometimes playful connotation. In BrE, the musical term is neutral; the money slang is rarely used and seen as an Americanism.
Frequency
The musical term is used occasionally in educational contexts. The slang for money is very low frequency and dated in AmE; extremely rare in BrE.
Grammar
How to Use “do-re-mi” in a Sentence
[Sing/Teach/Play] + do-re-miVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in very informal, jocular contexts referring to finances (AmE).
Academic
Used in music education and musicology contexts for the solfège system.
Everyday
Primarily in contexts of teaching/learning music. The money slang is nostalgic or humorous.
Technical
Standard term in music pedagogy for the movable-do solfège system.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “do-re-mi”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “do-re-mi”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “do-re-mi”
- Using 'do-re-mi' to mean 'money' in formal contexts or in British English.
- Capitalising it as a proper noun (it is not typically capitalised unless starting a sentence or in a title).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a recognised term in English for the solfège syllables. Its use as slang for money is also documented, though dated.
It derives from American rhyming slang. 'Dough' was slang for money. 'Dough' rhymes with 'do', leading to the extended 'do-re-mi'.
Generally, no. It is very old-fashioned and culturally specific slang. It might be used for deliberate, humorous effect but is not part of modern, active vocabulary.
Slightly. The British pronunciation may have a longer /uː/ in 'do' and a clearer final /iː/. The American pronunciation has a shorter /u/ and a final /i/.
The first three syllables (do, re, mi) used in the solfège system for teaching musical pitch and scales.
Do-re-mi is usually informal, colloquial, humorous, slang (for money); technical (music) in register.
Do-re-mi: in British English it is pronounced /ˌduː.reɪ.ˈmiː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdu.reɪ.ˈmi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
DOugh (money) REaches MIne → do-re-mi = money (for the slang). For music: The song 'Do-Re-Mi' from *The Sound of Music*.
Conceptual Metaphor
MONEY IS MUSIC (for the slang). LEARNING IS BUILDING BLOCKS (for the musical scale).
Practice
Quiz
In informal American English, 'do-re-mi' can historically refer to: