long green: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1slang, informal
Quick answer
What does “long green” mean?
A slang term for paper money, specifically referring to banknotes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A slang term for paper money, specifically referring to banknotes.
A slang term for money in general, particularly a substantial amount of cash.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
This is primarily an Americanism. It is very rarely used or understood in modern British English.
Connotations
In American English, it has a folksy, sometimes humorous or slightly old-fashioned connotation.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both varieties. Its use in the UK would likely cause confusion or be seen as an Americanism.
Grammar
How to Use “long green” in a Sentence
He flashed a wad of long green.They paid him in cold, hard long green.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “long green” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not used as a verb in British English)
American English
- (Rarely, if ever, used as a verb)
adverb
British English
- (Not used as an adverb)
American English
- (Not used as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- He showed off a long-green wallet, stuffed with cash.
American English
- He had a long-green roll of twenties in his pocket.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Rarely used, may appear in casual storytelling or humor to refer to cash.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “long green”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Using it to refer to digital money or cryptocurrency.
- Assuming it is a current, widely understood term.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered archaic or highly regional slang. Terms like 'cash' or 'bucks' are far more common.
No, it is specifically associated with US currency due to the traditional green color of dollar bills. Using it for pounds would be confusing and incorrect.
It originated in the United States in the 19th century, referring to the long, green-coloured paper of early banknotes.
It is exclusively informal and slang. It should never be used in formal, academic, or business writing.
A slang term for paper money, specifically referring to banknotes.
Long green: in British English it is pronounced /ˌlɒŋ ˈɡriːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌlɔːŋ ˈɡriːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “flash the long green”
- “grease the palm with long green”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine long, green pieces of paper (like dollar bills) growing like grass—'long' in shape and 'green' in color.
Conceptual Metaphor
MONEY IS A GREEN PLANT/OBJECT (linking the color of US currency to the value of growing things).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'long green' be MOST appropriately used?