Show Me the Money! 15 Slang Terms Americans Use for Cash

Whether we like it or not, money plays a big role in our everyday lives.

In the U.S., it’s no secret that money is a huge part of the picture, especially with the contrast between wealth and poverty.

But one thing everyone has in common, no matter their financial situation, is the way we talk about money.

American slang is full of fun and creative terms for cash, and today, we’re diving into a variety of them.

From the everyday to the quirky, let’s explore some of the slang that makes talking about money a little more interesting.

American Slang For Money

Bacon

It’s common to refer to money using food items, a slang term for money in America is “bacon.”

While not as common as some other terms, most people in the U.S. will understand what you mean when you use it, especially in the popular phrase “bringing home the bacon.”

This phrase refers to someone who earns income for a household.

The connection between bacon and money may trace back to the 17th century, when “bacon” was used to refer to one’s own body.

It’s thought that it eventually came to mean money because people would use their bodies to earn it.

While the precise origin isn’t entirely certain, this etymology is widely accepted.

Bread

Another common slang term for money in the United States is “bread.”

This term is widely used and understood across the country, though it’s certainly not as common as “bucks.”

Unlike “bucks,” it’s more of an abstract reference to money and cannot simply stand in for the word “dollar.”

That said, virtually anyone in America who hears you use this term will understand what you mean by it.

For example, “He’s loaded, he has so much bread!”

The term “bread” meaning money dates from the 1940s, though the word “breadwinner,” meaning the person who brings in income for a household, dates as far back as 1719.

The term “bread” in this sense may be much older, and we just don’t have written attestations of it earlier.

Bucks

Undoubtedly the single most common, catch-all slang term for money in the United States, we have “bucks.”

This is a simple stand-in for the word dollar and can be used for any dollar amount.

It’s been used for centuries in America, and is indeed far more common than actually saying “dollars,” just as “quid” is the common stand-in for pounds in the U.K.

For example, “I’ve got around ten bucks left.”

The slang term is first attested in 1856, and is most commonly accepted to be an abbreviation of “Buckskin.”

It’s thought that European settlers began using the word interchangeably with money as buckskins were traded with locals and other settlers for any other goods that might be needed.

Cheddar

Another food-related term, “cheddar” is a somewhat common way to refer to money in America.

While not as widely used today as it once was, it still has a presence in certain regions, especially among older generations.

Younger people may use it less frequently.

An example of its usage might be, “How much cheddar have we got left?”

The term originated after World War II when poor Americans receiving welfare benefits were given blocks of cheddar cheese as part of their assistance, eventually linking the word “cheddar” to money.

Chicken

“Chicken” is one of the less common food-related slang terms for money in the United States.

While it’s not widely used, you may hear it in certain regions. It generally refers to larger amounts of money.

For example, “I’m loaded with chicken, let’s go out on the town!”

The origin of the term is unclear, though it likely arose sometime in the 20th century.

It could be older than that, but the exact timeline remains a mystery.

Clams

“Clams” is a quintessentially American slang term for money, though it can be used to describe various forms of currency, from paper money to coins, and even money in the bank.

While not as common today as other slang terms, it is still heard in certain regions and among specific generations.

For example, “I’ll need some more clams to get me through the month.”

The term is believed to have originated from the practice of Native American tribes using clams and shells as units of exchange, a concept that European settlers adopted, leading to the slang’s use for money.

Coin

“Coin” is a straightforward slang term for money, widely used in English-speaking countries, though it is especially common in the U.S.

It can refer to actual coins and metal money, but more often, it simply serves as a general term for money.

While it usually implies a smaller amount, its use can vary depending on context.

For example, “I’m all out of coin, can you cover my taxi home?”

The term dates back to the early 14th century, originally referring to metal coins, though its broader slang meaning has evolved and remains somewhat unclear, likely being quite old.

Dough

“Dough” is another food-based slang term for money, widely used in the U.S. while also being recognized in other English-speaking countries.

Though it is less common today, it’s often used in a historical or slightly ironic context.

Many people still use “dough” in an earnest way, such as saying, “I’ve spent so much dough this weekend.”

The term dates back to 1851, though the word itself is much older.

Similar to “bread” or “breadwinner,” the idea behind using “dough” is that money is essential for sustenance, just like food for your family.

Green

“Green” is a common slang term for money in the United States, and it comes from the fact that American dollars are printed in green.

While it’s not used by everyone, it is widely understood across the country, especially in certain areas like the West Coast.

The term likely originated as a shortened version of “greenback,” which was first used toward the end of the 19th century to refer to U.S. paper currency.

Greenbacks

“Greenbacks” is a somewhat dated slang term for money today, but it’s still used among certain generations.

It refers specifically to paper money, not coins or money in the bank.

While it’s less common than it once was, most people will still understand what you mean if you use it.

For example, “I’ve got a stack of greenbacks ready to go.”

The term originated in the 1860s, when American paper money was first printed in green ink to help fund the Civil War.

This was the first national currency of the United States, which is why the term stuck.

Loot

“Loot” is another somewhat common slang term used to describe money in American English.

Originally, “loot” referred to goods or valuables taken in a robbery or military action, but over time it became a more lighthearted and general way to refer to money.

It’s often used humorously, and even though it has its roots in criminal activity, it’s now widely used by non-criminals in everyday conversation.

Moolah

“Moolah” is a slang term for money that, while somewhat dated, is still understood and used, particularly among older generations.

It often carries an ironic or humorous tone, but younger people are still familiar with it, even if they don’t use it themselves.

The term was first attested in the 1920s, though its precise origin remains unclear.

Some speculate it could be related to the Islamic title “mullah,” though there’s no concrete evidence to support that theory.

Paper

“Paper” is a term that has persisted throughout American history as a slang reference to money.

While it’s commonly understood nationwide, it is particularly prevalent in certain demographics, notably among black Americans in specific regions.

The term specifically refers to paper currency, although it may also be applied to money in the bank.

It has been in use for as long as paper money has existed in the U.S., making it a classic slang term for money.

Rack

“Rack” is a relatively new slang term for money, specifically referring to a sum of one thousand dollars.

It has been popularized in rap music and is most commonly used by younger generations.

Unlike some older slang terms, this one is closely tied to contemporary culture and is rarely used by older people.

The term became widely recognized through songs like “Rack City” and “Racks on Racks,” solidifying its place in modern slang.

Stash

“Stash” can have multiple meanings, but when used in relation to money, it typically refers to cash that is hidden away for later use.

It can also apply to a specific savings fund or money set aside in a bank account.

Unlike more general terms for money, “stash” implies that the money is being stored rather than actively used.

The word originally comes from criminal slang, meaning to hide or conceal something, and was first recorded in 1797.