PhrasesHub

Filthy rich

    Definitions

      • describe someone who is extremely wealthy
        To indicate that someone has an excessive amount of wealth or is extremely affluent, often in a negative or derogatory manner

      • express envy or resentment towards someone's wealth
        To convey jealousy or bitterness towards someone's wealth, often implying that they do not deserve it or have not earned it

      • describe someone who is morally corrupt or unethical despite their wealth
        To suggest that someone's wealth has been obtained through dishonest or unethical means, often implying that their character is questionable or immoral

    Examples of Filthy rich

    • The oil tycoon lived in a mansion surrounded by manicured gardens and expensive cars. His vast fortune allowed him to indulge in lavish vacations and fine dining experiences. People whispered that he was filthy rich.

      The idiom "filthy rich" is used to describe someone who has an excessive amount of wealth that is obtained through immoral or questionable means. In this example, the oil tycoon's wealth is presented as being so great that it is almost obscene, and there is an implication that his wealth was gained by less than honorable means. However, in reality, "filthy rich" is more commonly used to describe people who have a very high net worth, regardless of how they acquired it.

    • After inheriting a fortune from his Late grandfather, Michael was now filthy rich. He quit his job and traveled the world, living extravagantly and without a care in the world. The term "filthy rich" accurately describes Michael's sudden and vast accumulation of wealth.

      In this example, Michael's wealth is presented as being so significant that it is almost obscene. The use of the term "filthy rich" implies that Michael's wealth is so great that it could be perceived as being dirty or corrupt. However, in this instance, it is simply being used to describe the enormity of Michael's new financial position.

    • Sarah had always dreamed of being filthy rich, but after years of hard work, she had barely saved enough to retire comfortably. She couldn't help but wonder if the sheer amount of wealth that came with being filthy rich was truly worth sacrificing everything else for.

      Here, the use of the term "filthy rich" carries a more ambiguous connotation. In this example, Sarah envisions wealth to be dirty or corrupt, and the term "filthy rich" is used to express her misgivings about the moral implications of having such a vast fortune. However, her doubts suggest that the term "filthy rich" could also be used to describe an individual's wealth as being excessive or immoral, regardless of its origin.

    • Although Emily came from a wealthy family, she refused to flaunt her wealth or draw attention to her family's fortune. She lived a modest life and preferred to donate a significant portion of her wealth to charitable causes. Despite her vast fortune, Emily wasn't filthy rich, as she never seemed to lose sight of what was truly important.

      While the term "filthy rich" is often associated with wealth obtained through corrupt or questionable means, it can also be used to describe individuals who refuse to use their wealth to indulge in extravagances or to flaunt their wealth. In this example, Emily's refusal to be defined solely by her wealth separates her from the stereotypical image of a filthy rich person. Her use of her wealth to do good in the world instead of indulging in extravagances helps to demonstrate that the term "filthy rich" is not inherently negative, but rather a subjective concept.

    • John's family is filthy rich, with mansions in multiple cities and a private jet. They live a lavish lifestyle that most people can only dream of.

      The phrase "filthy rich" is used to describe someone or a family who has an excessive amount of wealth, so much so that it may have been obtained in a questionable manner. The word "filthy" is used here as a metaphor for something being unclean or impure, implying that the source of this wealth may not be entirely honorable. The term "rich" is then used to emphasize the extreme wealth of the subject. This idiom is often used to describe individuals who have attained immense wealth, usually through inheritance, investments, or other forms of financial success.

    • The CEO of the company retired at the age of 40, after making millions in his industry. Many people saw him as filthy rich, given his extravagant lifestyle and penchant for expensive cars and luxury vacations.

      In this example, the idiom is used to describe someone who has acquired great wealth at a young age, effectively becoming filthy rich. The implication is that this person may have become wealthy quickly and in ways that are not always above board. The use of the phrase "filthy rich" in this context highlights the extremely large sums of money involved and the suggestion that this wealth may not have been entirely ethically obtained.

    • The rapper's net worth is estimated to be filthy rich, with some reports stating that he has amassed more than $200 million. He is known for his extravagant lifestyle, which includes buying expensive cars, jewelry, and real estate.

      This example showcases the use of the idiom in describing someone's net worth, which can be a significant measure of their wealth. The term "estimated" is used to acknowledge that the exact amount of wealth is not always clear, but that the subject in question is still considered extremely wealthy. The use of the term "filthy rich" reinforces the idea that the person in question has abundance beyond what is typically considered necessary.In each of these examples, the idiom "filthy rich" is used to convey the idea that the person or situation being described has an excess of wealth that goes beyond what is necessary or expected. It implies that this wealth may have been obtained in a questionable manner, suggesting that there could be a moral or ethical ambiguity involved. This idiom is often used in informal or colloquial contexts and is intended to convey a sense of hyperbole or exaggeration.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "filthy rich" is used to describe someone who is extremely wealthy, often with a negative or resentful connotation. It can also be used to express envy or to suggest that someone's wealth is the result of immoral or unethical actions.

    Origin of "Filthy rich"

    The origin of the idiom "filthy rich" is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the late 19th or early 20th century in the United States. The word "filthy" is often used to describe something that is dirty, unpleasant, or morally corrupt, while "rich" refers to someone who has a large amount of money or possessions.

    Some sources suggest that the idiom may have originated in the world of organized crime, where "filthy" could refer to the dirty or illegal means by which someone obtained their wealth. Others believe that it may have originated as a sarcastic or satirical term, highlighting the paradox of having excessive wealth and still being considered "filthy."

    Regardless of its exact origins, the idiom "filthy rich" has become a commonly used phrase in everyday language to describe extreme wealth, often with a negative connotation.