10 Roaring Twenties Slang Words for Money You Should Know

The most common slang terms for money in the 1920s were things like “buck” and “dough”. Depending on where you were, you might also hear “Mazuma” and “moolah”. Most of the slang terms for money from this time have survived until today and you’ll still be familiar with them.

Slang for money in the 1920s was fairly prevalent, then, and it was definitely a time when many new terms for money were arising.

Especially in the United States, during the famous “roaring” 20s everyone had a lot more money and so naturally there arose a lot more terms to describe money.

Let’s find out more.

1920s Slang For Money

Buck

“Buck” is one of the most well-known slang terms for money and has been in use since at least the early 1800s.

By the 1920s, it was a firmly established way to refer to a dollar, especially in casual conversation.

The origin of the term comes from the early American frontier days when buckskins (deer hides) were commonly used as a medium of exchange.

Over time, “buck” became shorthand for money, particularly one-dollar bills.

Cheddar

“Cheddar” is a playful slang term for money that has been around since at least the early 20th century.

While it became especially popular in hip-hop culture during the late 20th century, it was already in use during the 1920s.

The origin of this term likely comes from the idea that cheese, particularly cheddar, has long been a staple food and a symbol of sustenance.

In a more figurative sense, “cheddar” came to represent financial security and prosperity.

Clams

“Clams” is a lighthearted slang term for money that was widely used in the 1920s.

While it isn’t as common today, it was once a popular way to refer to cash, especially in informal conversations.

The origin of “clams” as a term for money is uncertain, but it likely stems from the use of shellfish as a form of currency in early bartering systems.

Clams, like other shell-based currency, were historically valuable, making them a fitting metaphor for money.

Cush

“Cush” was a slang term for money in the 1920s, often implying a comfortable financial cushion.

If someone had “cush,” they had enough money to fall back on in tough times.

The word likely comes from “cushion,” symbolizing a soft landing or safety net.

During the Roaring Twenties, financial prosperity was widespread, and having a bit of extra “cush” meant you were in a good spot.

Dough

“Dough” has been a well-known slang term for money since at least the 19th century, but it was especially popular in the 1920s.

It refers to money in general, often implying a substantial amount.

The origin of this term comes from “bread,” another slang term for money.

Since bread is a staple food that requires dough, the connection between financial sustenance and physical sustenance led to this expression.

Jack

“Jack” was a popular slang term for money during the 1920s.

It generally referred to cash, particularly a small or moderate sum.

Though less common today, it was widely understood at the time.

The exact origin of “jack” as slang for money is unclear, but some theories suggest it may have come from gambling culture or older English slang where “jack” referred to something of value.

It also appeared in various American and British slang expressions related to money and possessions.

Lettuce

“Lettuce” was a playful slang term for money in the 1920s, specifically referring to paper bills.

The term likely emerged because of the green color of U.S. currency, resembling the leafy vegetable.

It was part of a trend of using food-related words to describe money, like “bread” and “cheddar.”

Though “lettuce” is not as widely used today, it occasionally appears in old gangster films and jazz-era writings.

Some modern slang still references money with similar terms like “cabbage” or “greens.”

Mazuma

“Mazuma” was a common slang term for money in the 1920s, particularly referring to cash in hand rather than money in the bank.

The word has origins in Yiddish, which borrowed it from Mishnaic Hebrew, where it meant “cash” or “coin.”

It became widely used in American English through Jewish communities, particularly in big cities like New York.

Though less common today, “mazuma” was once a widely understood term, especially in gangster films and jazz-age slang.

It reflected the vibrant mix of languages and cultures shaping American slang during the Roaring Twenties.

Moolah

“Moolah” is one of the most enduring slang terms for money, first recorded in use around the 1920s.

Despite its widespread usage, the exact origins of the word remain unknown.

Some theories suggest it may have evolved from French or Spanish words related to wealth, while others speculate a connection to the title “mullah” in Islamic culture, possibly referencing the wealth of religious leaders.

Whatever its true roots, “moolah” became a widely recognized term during the Jazz Age and is still used today in casual conversations to refer to cash or financial resources.

Simoleons

“Simoleons” is a term for money that gained popularity in the United States during the early 20th century.

While its precise origin is unclear, it’s widely believed to have been derived from the name of the “Simoleon” character in the 19th-century comic strips or could be a variation of “Sullivan,” referring to a well-known figure in finance.

Another possibility is its connection to the word “somers,” used in the mid-1800s, which referred to the value of coins.

Whatever the origins, “simoleons” became widely popularized during the 1920s and is still occasionally used in reference to cash today, especially in vintage settings or comedic contexts.

The term was often used in slang-heavy literature and films, especially during the Jazz Age, and its playful sound added a bit of whimsy when referring to cash.