gold-digger

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A person who mines for gold: Historically, a "gold-digger" is someone who excavates or searches for gold in mines or rivers.
    • A person who pursues relationships for financial gain: In informal or slang usage, a "gold-digger" is a person (often a woman) who forms romantic relationships primarily to extract money or material benefits from a wealthy partner.
Usage Examples

  • Historical mining context:

    • The gold-digger spent months panning for gold in the river. (A person physically searching for gold ore.)

  • Slang/pejorative context:

    • She was accused of being a gold-digger because she only dated wealthy men. (A person seeking financial gain through romantic involvement.)
    • He realized his new girlfriend was a gold-digger when she asked for an expensive car. (Someone exploiting a partner's wealth.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to be a gold-digger": to be perceived as someone who prioritizes financial gain over genuine affection in relationships.

    • After the divorce, his ex-wife was labeled a gold-digger by the tabloids. (She was publicly criticized for seeking monetary settlements.)

  • "gold-digging" (noun/verb): the act of behaving like a gold-digger.

    • Her gold-digging became obvious when she demanded a prenuptial agreement. (Her manipulative pursuit of wealth was evident.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Gold-digging (adj): relating to the behavior of a gold-digger.
    • He avoided gold-digging individuals by keeping his finances private. (He steered clear of people who might exploit him for money.)
Synonyms
  • Fortune hunter: a person who seeks wealth through marriage or relationships.
  • Materialist: someone overly concerned with material possessions.
  • Opportunist: a person who exploits circumstances for personal gain.
Related Idioms

  • Marry for money: to enter into a marriage primarily for financial security.

    • She didn't love him; she married for money, just like a gold-digger. (She prioritized wealth over love.)

  • Dig for gold: to search for wealth or advantage in a situation.

    • He was clearly digging for gold when he started dating the heiress. (He was pursuing a relationship for financial benefit.)