Why do use we the expressions of some people being "filthy rich" while others are "dirt poor"? Who picked those expressions?
Please respond. A prize goes to person with the best explanation.
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About Me
- kevin
- Denver, Colorado
- My perspective on the real world of going to school while working a job.
5 comments:
My guess is that with "dirt poor" the poor have nothing except dirt, and the "filthy rich" are always so greedy, that on the inside they are more "filthy" and arrogant than the poor.
"dirt poor" is an expression originating during the Great Depression. It was probably an outgrowth the the Dust Bowl conditions and the common homes on the plains that had no finished floors. It meant people of very meager means and did not have any negative connotation other than being very poor.
"filthy rich" evolved from the term "filthy lucre." Lucre was a common word for money long ago. This phrase seems to have origins during the 1920's and 1930's as well. Some people, attempting to gain an unfair advantage of people in desperate times, would persuade them to sell homes and property to survive the Depression. They became rich compared to most folks by dishonest means. Thus the term "filthy rich" did have a very negative connotation and described the character of the person doing the misdeed to others.
I think I got all that straight.
Well...after that explaination, I am not going to even try! I taught her everything I know! Marvelous answer Mrs. Root! : )
"Dirt poor" means you're so poor you don't even have enough dirt to make a "mud pie."
"Filthy lucre" means your lucre is filthy. "Lucre" is a French word meaning armpit. In the 18th century, rich French people thought it was beneath them to use deoderant, hence the association of the word "filthy lucre" with the rich and their money.
Or something like that.
that's funnily awesome!!!!!
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