Definition

Noun: 1. Money or profit gained in a dishonorable, shameful, or morally corrupt way: The term emphasizes the tainted or immoral nature of the wealth, often implying greed or unethical behavior in its acquisition.

Usage

The term "filthy lucre" is used to criticize money earned through dishonest, corrupt, or otherwise shameful means. It carries a strong negative and moralistic connotation, suggesting the money itself is spiritually or ethically dirty.

Examples

• The politician was accused of amassing filthy lucre through bribes and kickbacks.
• He abandoned his principles for the sake of filthy lucre.
• The novel's villain cares for nothing but filthy lucre.

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is often used in a rhetorical or literary context to express moral condemnation of greed and corrupting wealth. It is less common in everyday, neutral financial discussion.

Word Origin and Notes

• Origin: The phrase comes from the New Testament of the Bible (Titus 1:11, King James Version: "...for filthy lucre's sake."). The word "lucre" is an archaic term for money or profit, and "filthy" intensifies its negative moral quality.
• Modern Connotation: While rooted in religious text, it is used more broadly today to condemn any profit seen as ill-gotten or morally compromising.

Synonyms

• Ill-gotten gains
• Blood money
• Tainted money
• Dirty money

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To pursue filthy lucre: To be driven by the desire for shameful profit.
  • The company was accused of pursuing filthy lucre by exploiting child labor.

Noun

1. shameful profit
   • he would sell his soul for filthy lucre