old money

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Definition

Noun: 1. Wealth inherited over generations: Refers to the capital, assets, and social status that have been passed down through multiple generations of a family, establishing them as part of a long-standing, traditional upper class. This term contrasts with "new money," which is wealth recently acquired. 2. The established upper class itself: Can refer to the families or social class characterized by such inherited wealth and the associated traditions, manners, and exclusive social circles.

Usage Examples
  • Referring to inherited wealth:
    • The university's new library was funded by old money from a prominent local family.
    • Their estate wasn't bought with profits from a startup; it's pure old money.
  • Referring to the social class:
    • The club's membership is still dominated by old money from the East Coast.
    • She married into old money, so she had to learn a different set of social rules.
Advanced Usage
  • The term often carries connotations of discretion, tradition, conservative values, and a sense of entitlement or noblesse oblige, as opposed to the perceived ostentation of "new money."
  • It can be used attributively (like an adjective) to describe things associated with this class.
    • He has an old-money demeanor.
    • They live in an old-money neighborhood.
Variants and Related Words
  • New money (noun): Wealth acquired recently, typically within one's own lifetime, often perceived as lacking the social pedigree of "old money." (e.g., )
  • Nouveau riche (noun, from French): A synonym for "new money," often used with a critical or mocking tone regarding perceived lack of taste or tradition.
  • Silver spoon (idiom): Used in the phrase "born with a silver spoon in one's mouth," meaning born into a wealthy family. This idiom is closely related to the concept of "old money."
Synonyms
  • Established wealth
  • Inherited wealth
  • The aristocracy (in some contexts)
  • The landed gentry (historically)
Related Idioms
  • Born into money: Born into a wealthy family.
    • He was born into money and never had to work a day in his life.
  • To the manor born: Seeming naturally suited to a wealthy, aristocratic lifestyle because one was born into it.
    • With her elegant manners, she seemed to the manor born.
Noun
  1. the inherited wealth of established upper-class families
    • he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth
    • she is the daughter of old money from Massachusetts

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