The Meaning of Money Cheese in Hip Hop Culture
When talking about rap music, you might come across terms like 'cheese' or 'cheddar' being used as slang for money. This article explores the term 'money cheese' in hip hop culture and its origins.
What Does Money Cheese Mean?
Money cheese is a slang term that signifies money, just like other terms such as dough, greenbacks, ends, paper, cash, moolah, chocs, or skrill. The term 'money cheese' is deeply rooted in American history, specifically the welfare system established at the end of World War II.
During World War II, welfare packages in America often included a large chunk of cheese as part of the benefits for recipients. Thus, receiving 'your cheese' meant receiving welfare benefits. This phrase gained traction and evolved into a slang term for money, particularly in the hip hop culture.
Why Do Rappers Call Money Cheese?
Rappers use the term 'cheese' as a modern reference to welfare cheese, which they received as a benefit during their early years. The term 'money cheese' has become a common phrase in hip hop culture, reflecting the rappers' experiences and the struggles they faced in their past.
Other Slang Terms for Money in English
English, being a language rich in slang terms for money, has many terms inspired by food-related items. Here are some of the most interesting ones:
1. Cheddar
Origin: US
Meaning: Slang term for money. Derived from the fact Americans on welfare used to receive cheese as part of their benefits.
Explanation: This well-known American phrase was born at the end of WWII. Welfare packages included a hearty lump of cheese - so to receive your cheese meant to receive your benefits. In recent times, the term 'cheddar' has been used interchangeably with 'money.'
2. Boodle
Origin: US/UK
Meaning: UK/US term for ill-gotten gains.
Explanation: Originally, it was used specifically to describe criminal profits and counterfeit notes. Modern usage extends to any form of money.
3. Brass
Origin: UK
Meaning: Northern English slang for money. Derived from brass in reference to scrap dealers.
Explanation: This phrase comes from the working-class northern English towns of the last century where many people earned a living dealing with waste materials.
4. Buck
Origin: US
Meaning: One dollar. Derived from pioneer times when deer or buck skins were used as currency.
Explanation: The term 'buck' comes from 18th century pioneer-era America when deer skins were used as currency. It has survived into modern times and remains one of the most common terms for money in the USA.
5. Monkey
Origin: UK via India
Meaning: London slang for ￡500. Derived from the 500 Rupee banknote which featured a monkey.
Explanation: This slang term originates from 19th century India and came with British colonization. The term lives on even though the 500 Rupee note no longer features a monkey.
6. Quid
Origin: UK
Meaning: One British Pound. Derived from the Latin quid pro quo meaning one thing in exchange for another.
Explanation: One of the most famous British examples, 'quid' refers to a pound and comes from the Latin phrase 'quid pro quo' - literally, 'something for something.' It describes the basic nature of using currency to buy items.
7. Spondoolicks
Origin: US/Ancient Greece
Meaning: Slang for money. Derived from the Greek spondulys meaning Shell which were widely used as currency in ancient times.
Explanation: While this phrase has fallen out of favor, it was commonly used in 19th century America. The word refers to an old form of currency, reflecting the ancient use of shells for bartering.
8. Tudse
Origin: Denmark
Meaning: Danish for a 1000 Kr note or a Tusind krone seddel. Tusind is then shortened to Tudse which means 'Toad' in Danish.
Explanation: This phrase refers to a 1000 Kr note, with 'tudse' meaning 'toad' in Danish. The term arises from the similarity between 'tudse' for 'toad' and 'tusind' meaning 'thousand.'
9. Wonga
Origin: UK
Meaning: Slang for money. Derived from the Romani word wongar meaning coal, which itself was used as slang for money in the 18th and 19th century.
Explanation: The term 'wonga' is closely related to the Romani language and coal. Although the phrase is commonly used in British slang, it can trace its roots back to 18th and 19th century India, emphasizing its long-standing use as a currency slang term.
Conclusion
The term 'money cheese' in hip hop culture is just one of many examples of slang terms for money that are deeply rooted in history and culture. Understanding these terms can provide insight into the experiences and backgrounds of many artists in the rap and hip hop genres.