Money Slang: Understand the Words People Use for Cash

Ever heard someone say they need a few bucks or a couple of quid and wondered what they meant? Money slang is a shortcut for talking about cash, and it varies a lot between the US and the UK. Knowing these terms helps you follow everyday conversations, shop smarter, and even sound more local when you travel.

Common US Money Slang

In the United States, the word buck is the go‑to term for a dollar. Saying “that costs ten bucks” is the same as “that costs ten dollars.” When the amount climbs, you’ll hear grand for a thousand dollars – the article “What is a $1000 Bill Called?” even calls it the “ultra‑rare grand note.” For a half‑dozen dollars, people might say a six‑pack of cash, though that’s more of a joking phrase.

Other favorites include greenbacks (a nod to the green color of US bills), dough (any amount of money, usually a decent sum), and smackers (slang for dollars, often used in older movies). If you’re talking about a big purchase, you might say “I need some stack of cash” or “I’ve saved a few hundreds.” All of these keep the conversation light and quick.

When you hear someone say “I’m short on cash” or “I’m broke,” they’re just using plain English, but it’s still slang because it’s informal. Knowing these terms means you don’t have to pause and guess what the speaker means.

UK Money Slang

Across the pond, the pound has its own set of nicknames. The most common is quid. “That’ll be fifty quid” translates to £50. For smaller notes, you’ll hear fiver for £5 and tenner for £10. Larger amounts get the nickname pony for £25 and ton for £100. If someone mentions a “score,” they’re talking about £20.

Coin talk is just as lively. A 20‑pence piece might be called a “twopenny,” while a 2‑pound coin is a “two‑pounder” or simply a “two‑quid.” When Brits refer to cash in a casual way, they might say “I need some cash” or “I’m flat out,” meaning they’re out of money.

Our own article “What Do Brits Call Toilet Paper?” shows how regional language can change even everyday items, and the same idea applies to money slang. You might hear “bob” for a shilling in older generations, but most people stick with the modern terms listed above.

Getting a handle on both US and UK money slang makes it easier to follow price talks, bargain at markets, or just join in on a chat about salaries. Next time you hear “I’m saving up for a new sofa, but I need a few more bucks/quid,” you’ll know exactly what they’re counting.

Whether you’re budgeting for a rug that costs $400 (see our guide “Is $400 Too Much for a Rug?”) or planning a trip abroad, using the right slang shows you’re in the know and keeps your conversations natural. So next time you pull out your wallet, try dropping a “buck” or a “quid” into the mix and see how it feels.