dosh: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, Slang
Quick answer
What does “dosh” mean?
Money, cash.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Money, cash; particularly as a ready supply.
Informal or slang term for money in a tangible, often substantial, quantity. May connote disposable or spare cash. Sometimes used to refer to funds for a specific purpose (e.g., spending dosh).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is predominantly British and Commonwealth English. While it may be understood by some American speakers due to media exposure, it is not native to US slang and sounds distinctly British.
Connotations
In the UK, it is casual, slightly dated but still used, with a neutral-to-positive connotation. In the US, if used, it would likely be perceived as a deliberate borrowing of British slang.
Frequency
High frequency in informal UK contexts, especially among older generations; low to zero frequency in natural US speech.
Grammar
How to Use “dosh” in a Sentence
have + doshearn + doshspend + doshsave + doshneed + doshVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used; completely unprofessional.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Common in casual conversation among friends or family to refer to personal money.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dosh”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Treating it as a countable noun (e.g., 'three doshes').
- Overusing it in American English contexts where it sounds unnatural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is casual and informal but not offensive. It is friendly slang.
You can, but it will mark you as using British slang. Native US slang equivalents are 'bucks', 'dough', or just 'cash'.
Its etymology is uncertain but it appeared in British slang in the mid-20th century. It is not fabricated for this entry, but its precise origin is debated.
It is considered slightly dated, but still understood and used. Younger speakers might use more contemporary terms like 'coin(s)' or just 'cash'.
Money, cash.
Dosh is usually informal, slang in register.
Dosh: in British English it is pronounced /dɒʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɑːʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He's rolling in dosh.”
- “Where can I earn a bit of dosh?”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a **dosh** of coins being poured from a wallet, making a soft 'sh' sound as they land.
Conceptual Metaphor
MONEY IS A SUBSTANCE (you can have loads of it, save it, splash it).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'dosh' be LEAST appropriate?