British Slang Terms for Money: Beyond Cockney Slang

When discussing slang terms for money in Britain, a mix of regional and urban dialects adds a rich layer of local flavor to the English language. While Cockney slang often dominates such discussions, there are plenty of interesting and sometimes humorous alternatives. In this article, we explore various slang terms for money from different regions of Britain, focusing on areas like Glasgow and Edinburgh, as well as some widely recognized terms across the country.

Edinburgh Slang

As mentioned by Irvine Welsh, the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh, has its own unique slang terms for money. Irvine Welsh, a Scottish novelist, describes a conversation using these terms, underpinning the rich linguistic diversity found in Scottish cities. Here are some common slang terms used in Edinburgh: Hireys - Refers to money, often used in Edinburgh particularly. Example: 'Eh hireys fur ma heroin and that.' Castle - Often refers to the historic Edinburgh Castle, which can also be used metaphorically to describe something desirable, such as a civil partnership ceremony. Example: 'Ooh the castle eh? That’s where I want my civil partnership ceremony.' Arts and that - Used to describe general activities or pursuits. Example: 'Arts and that eh?'

Common British Slang Terms for Money

Across the UK, there are several widely recognized terms for money that transcend regional boundaries. These slangs are used not just in casual conversations but in everyday language, reflecting the casual and sometimes humorous tone of British culture. Here are some widely recognized terms, including some traditional and modern colloquialisms: Dosh - A general term for money. Example: 'Lend me a bit of dosh, I need to buy a sandwich.' Bread - Noun form of 'bread and butter', which again refers to money. Example: 'Hey, where’s the bread?' Lolly - A term that gained more currency through the song 'Space Oddity' by David Bowie. Example: 'Nice car, where’s your lolly coming from?' Lucre - A more formal but still common term. Example: 'Lucre plays a significant role in our society.' Wad - A casual term often used in older slang cultures. Example: 'Short of wad?' Moolah - Another casual term often used in casual conversation. Example: 'Have you spotted any good deals today, dudder? I’m short of moolah.' Quid - Literally meaning 'pound', 'quid' is extremely common and widely understood. Example: 'A quid for a pint of beer.' Six quid but never quids - A playful colloquialism, where 'quids' is a pun for 'quid's. Example: 'Regular readers of the paper will be well versed in the intricacies of the political landscape, having seen six quid but never quids.' A monkey London for ￡500 - Refers to an expensive or ridiculous purchase. Example: 'That new sports car is a monkey London for ￡500.' A pony London for ￡25 - A slightly more affordable purchase compared to a monkey. Example: 'Did you get a pony London for that watch?' A Grand ￡1000 - A large sum of money. Example: 'I couldn’t afford an art piece for even a grand, so this will have to do.'

Glasgow Slang

From the streets of Glasgow, there is a unique dialect and slang that can sometimes be found in literature. Here are some Glasgow-specific slang terms for money: Dole - A term commonly used to refer to unemployment welfare payments. Example: 'I’m on dole until I find a new job.'

Understanding And Using These Slangs

Understanding these slang terms can greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively in various parts of the UK, whether you are engaging in friendly conversation or engaging in business transactions. However, it is also important to be aware of the context in which these terms are used, as they can sometimes be region-specific. For example, the term 'hireys' is more likely to be used in Edinburgh than Glasgow.

Some terms, like 'quid', are quite universal and may be understood across the UK, while others like 'hireys' or 'castle' are more local to specific regions. More niche terms like 'Tupney', which refers to two pennies, are less commonly used in everyday conversation but might appear in literature or more specialized contexts.

Whether you're a local or a visitor, incorporating a mix of these terms can add a humorous and authentic touch to your interactions. So next time you're in Edinburgh or Glasgow, or even London, listen out for these charming and colorful money terms and see if you can sprinkle some into your own conversations.