Wouldn’t you know it, even our cold hard cash has a sense of humor!
Funny Money 💵
Funny Money - Peculiar currency, either because it is counterfeit or because it comes from dubious sources. This expression originated in the United States in the 1930s and became popular after World War II, when American tourists began to use it for any foreign currency as well. It is somewhat derogatory, implying that foreign money is not as “real” or has less worth than domestic currency.
Synonyms:
- Counterfeit currency
- Funny business
- Play money
Antonyms:
- Legal tender
- Genuine currency
- Hard cash
Related & Similar terms:
- Monopoly money: Slang for any money that is valueless or behaves like toy money.
- Dough: Slang for money, emphasizing its essential, every-day utility.
- Funnymoneyland (a fictional place in literature or film where one might encounter odd currencies).
Proverbs & Humorous Quotes:
- “A fool and his money are soon parted.” - Proverb
- “Money talks, but all mine ever says is goodbye.” - Anonymous
- “I’m so poor, I can’t even pay attention.” - Anonymous, tongue firmly in cheek.
Literature & Media:
-
Books:
- “Catch-22” by Joseph Heller: A satirical novel where bureaucracy and economic absurdities intertwine.
- “The Big Short” by Michael Lewis: An eye-opening exploration of financial crises.
-
Movies:
- “Catch Me If You Can” - The true story of Frank Abagnale, a famous con artist who made his share of funny money.
- “The Wolf of Wall Street” - A wild ride through the world of high finance and exorbitant wealth.
-
Songs:
- “Money, Money, Money” by ABBA - A catchy tune contemplating the omnipresent allure of wealth.
- “Money for Nothing” by Dire Straits - A rock anthem mulling over the illusory nature of fame and wealth.
-
Poetry:
- “Mad Money Poems” by Marge Piercy: Poems reflecting on the intersection of finance and human values.
### Which of these examples is an idiom for dubious currency?
- [x] Funny money
- [ ] Serious change
- [ ] Honest buck
- [ ] Virtuous dollar
> **Explanation:** "Funny money" is the idiom that refers to counterfeit currency or money from dubious sources. The others are invented gibberish.
### Which phrase is synonymous with 'funny money'?
- [ ] Sincere cent
- [x] Monopoly money
- [ ] Straightforward shilling
- [ ] Genuine gem
> **Explanation:** "Monopoly money" is often used synonymously with "funny money" to describe currency that is either fake or perceived to have no real value.
### True or False: 'Funny money' is primarily used to describe legal tender.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** False — "Funny money" refers to counterfeit or dubious currency, not legitimate legal tender.
### In what decade did the term 'funny money' originate in the United States?
- [x] 1930s
- [ ] 1920s
- [ ] 1940s
- [ ] 1950s
> **Explanation:** The term originated in the 1930s in the United States and became even more popular post-World War II.
### Which film revolves around a person making 'funny money' by engaging in fraud and deception?
- [x] Catch Me If You Can
- [ ] The Sound Of Music
- [ ] Frozen
- [ ] The Godfather
> **Explanation:** "Catch Me If You Can" is about Frank Abagnale Jr., who committed several frauds, including counterfeiting checks and printing 'funny money.'
Take this as a whimsical revelation: that every coin has two faces, each telling a story entirely its own. Remember, it’s not the money that is funny; it’s the journey of understanding it!
Yours in wordy whimsy,
Penny Changemaker
