moolah
C1Slang, informal, colloquial
Definition
Meaning
Informal and slang term for money, typically referring to cash or currency in general.
Often used to emphasize a significant or desirable amount of money, particularly in contexts of profit, wealth, or cash flow.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word is playful and often implies a sense of abundance, desire, or the tangible quality of money. It is not used in formal or technical financial contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant regional difference in meaning; it is used in both varieties with the same core sense.
Connotations
Slightly dated or retro feel in both varieties; may be used humorously or nostalgically.
Frequency
Slightly more common in American English, but not exclusively so.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + earn/make/spend + [Determiner] + moolah[Determiner] + moolah + [Verb]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “bring home the moolah”
- “follow the moolah”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; only in very informal internal discussions, never in reports.
Academic
Never used.
Everyday
Used in casual conversation about finances, shopping, or jobs.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I need some moolah to buy a new game.
- He has a little moolah in his pocket.
- That job pays good moolah for weekend work.
- She saved her moolah to go on holiday.
- If you invest wisely, you could be rolling in moolah in a few years.
- The startup burned through its venture capital moolah too quickly.
- The film's backers are hoping it generates serious moolah at the international box office.
- He's always chasing the next big deal, motivated purely by the moolah.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MOOing cow with a LAH of cash under it – silly, but connects 'moo' to the playful sound of the word.
Conceptual Metaphor
MONEY IS A COMMODITY/OBJECT (that can be acquired in bulk).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не является прямым переводом слова 'бабки' или 'бабло', хотя близко по стилю. Следует избегать использования в официальном контексте.
- Не путать с 'mullah' (мулла).
Common Mistakes
- Using it in formal writing.
- Spelling it as 'moola' (common variant, but 'moolah' is standard).
- Overusing it, making speech sound affected.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'moolah' be LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is playful and informal but not offensive. It is simply slang for money.
Its etymology is uncertain. It is suggested to be of Romani origin or a 20th-century American slang coinage. Dictionaries list it as 'origin unknown'.
No, it is too informal and colloquial for any professional business correspondence. Use 'money', 'funds', or 'capital' instead.
Both are informal slang for money. 'Moolah' can sound slightly more dated or humorous, while 'dough' is a bit more integrated into casual speech. They are largely interchangeable in informal contexts.
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