money-grubber
Definition
Noun: A money-grubber is a person who is excessively interested in acquiring money and often acts in a greedy or unscrupulous manner to obtain it. The term carries a negative connotation, implying that the person prioritizes wealth above other values.
Usage Examples
- (A person excessively obsessed with accumulating money, unwilling to share.)
- (A greedy person who exploits others for financial gain.)
- (A warning against excessive greed.)
Advanced Usage
- "money-grubbing" (adj): describing behavior or attitudes that are greedy for money.
- Her money-grubbing tactics alienated all her business partners. (Her greedy methods drove people away.)
- "money-grubbing" can also be used as a noun: the act of greedily seeking money.
- The company's constant money-grubbing tarnished its reputation. (The relentless pursuit of profit damaged its image.)
Variants and Related Words
- Money-grubbing (adj/noun): as above.
- Grubber (n): a person who digs or works hard (less common), but in compound form, it specifically implies greedy acquisition.
- Miser (n): a person who hoards wealth and spends as little as possible, often similar to a money-grubber but focusing on saving rather than acquiring.
Synonyms
- Miser: a person who hoards money and lives frugally.
- Scrooge: a miserly, stingy person (from Charles Dickens' character).
- Skinflint: a person who is extremely unwilling to spend money.
- Extortionist: someone who obtains money through threats or force (more severe).
Related Idioms
- "Money talks": wealth gives power or influence.
- In that business, money talks; the money-grubber always gets his way. (Wealth allows the greedy person to dominate.)
- "A penny pincher": someone who is very careful with money, often similar to a money-grubber but less negative.
- She's a penny pincher, but not a money-grubber; she just saves wisely. (A distinction between frugality and greed.)
Cultural Note
The term "money-grubber" is informal and often used in criticism. It likely derives from "grub" meaning to dig or search laboriously, suggesting that such a person digs for money like a worm in dirt.