side money: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal / Colloquial
Quick answer
What does “side money” mean?
Money earned from a secondary job or activity, separate from one's main income source.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Money earned from a secondary job or activity, separate from one's main income source.
Additional income often pursued informally, sometimes suggesting a hustle, gig, or passion project turned profitable.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both use the term, but 'side hustle' is more common in contemporary American English. In UK, 'extra cash' or 'a bit on the side' might be more frequent informal equivalents.
Connotations
US: Often associated with the 'gig economy' and entrepreneurial spirit. UK: Can imply something slightly secretive or unofficial ('a little something on the side').
Frequency
More frequent in US English, especially in personal finance and entrepreneurial contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “side money” in a Sentence
[Subject] earns side money by [gerund phrase].[Subject] uses [skill/hobby] to make side money.Her side money comes from [source].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “side money” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He's been side-moneying by fixing laptops for neighbours.
- I need to side money to afford the holiday.
American English
- She side-moneys by driving for a rideshare app.
- They're side-moneying through freelance graphic design.
adverb
British English
- He works side-money as a caterer.
- She earns it side-money, so it's not on her taxes.
American English
- He gets paid side-money for his consulting.
- She runs the blog side-money while holding a full-time job.
adjective
British English
- His side-money gig involves tutoring.
- She found a useful side-money opportunity.
American English
- He has several side-money streams.
- It's just a side-money project for now.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare in formal business reports; used in informal discussions about diversifying income.
Academic
Seldom used; 'supplementary income' is the formal term.
Everyday
Common in personal conversations about finances, jobs, and hobbies.
Technical
Not a technical financial term; used in fintech or gig economy discussions informally.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “side money”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “side money”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “side money”
- Using it as a countable noun ('a side money'). Treating it as formal vocabulary in a report. Confusing it with 'savings'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an informal, colloquial term. In formal writing, use 'supplementary income', 'secondary income', or 'additional earnings'.
The term itself is neutral, but it often refers to informal, cash-in-hand work which may not be declared for tax purposes, making it illicit in that specific sense. It is not inherently illegal.
'Side money' focuses on the income itself. 'Side hustle' focuses on the activity or job that generates the income. They are frequently used interchangeably in casual speech.
It functions as an uncountable noun phrase. Example: 'Her side money pays for her art supplies.' You do not say 'a side money' or 'side moneys'.
Money earned from a secondary job or activity, separate from one's main income source.
Side money: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsaɪd ˌmʌn.i/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsaɪd ˌmʌn.i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A little something on the side”
- “Feathering one's nest”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of your main job as the front door to your income; 'side money' is the cash you find through a side window.
Conceptual Metaphor
INCOME IS A PATH (main road vs. side path), MONEY IS A FLUID (main stream vs. side trickle).
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase is closest in meaning to 'side money' in a formal business context?