Definition

Noun: 1. A wealthy residential area: A rich neighborhood, typically located along a coastline, famous for its expensive houses and luxurious lifestyle. 2. A historical region in West Africa: A former British colony on the Gulf of Guinea, which is now the independent nation of Ghana.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Wealthy area):
  • The real estate prices in the city's gold coast are among the highest in the country.
  • Many celebrities own mansions along that stretch of gold coast.
• Noun (Historical region):
  • Britain established control over the Gold Coast in the 19th century.
  • The Gold Coast gained its independence from Britain and became Ghana in 1957.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used metaphorically to describe any affluent area, not necessarily coastal, though the coastal connotation is strong.
  • The suburban development became the new gold coast for the city's elite.

Variants and Related Words

• Gold Coaster (noun, informal): A resident of a wealthy coastal neighborhood.
  • The Gold Coasters opposed the new public beach access plan.

Different Meanings

1. Primary Meaning (Proper Noun): Refers specifically to the historical British colony in West Africa. It is always capitalized in this context: .
2. Common Noun Meaning: Refers to any affluent coastal neighborhood. It is often not capitalized: or .

Synonyms

• For the wealthy area: Affluent district, luxury enclave, upscale neighborhood, ritzy area.
• For the historical region: (The historical name is specific; the modern synonym is Ghana).

Related Idioms

• While not a standalone idiom, the term is often used in phrases like "the gold coast lifestyle," which signifies a life of extreme wealth and luxury associated with such areas.
  • He retired early to enjoy the gold coast lifestyle in Florida.

Noun

1. a rich neighborhood noted for expensive homes and luxurious living; usually along a coastal area
   • Chicago's gold coast is along Lake Michigan
2. a republic in West Africa on the Gulf of Guinea
   • Ghana was colonized as the Gold Coast by the British