old money / new money
Last updatedWhat to know
“Old money” refers to established and inherited wealth, generally spanning generations. Old money is often associated with the aristocracy or gentry historically, and the term is used both favorably and unfavorably. Particularly in articles that are about wealth disparities, being more specific about the background and source of wealth may be preferable to these terms.
“New money” (or “nouveau riche”) refers to money gained during one’s own lifetime. The term carries connotations of being uncultured, and is often used more derisively in comparison to “old money.”
Both “old money” and “new money” are colloquial terms and benefit from explanation/interrogation if using.
Additional resources
- Old Money vs. New Money — The middle-class version (Business Journals)
- What is old money? Definition and examples (Market Business News)
- The “Nouveau Riche” and Culture:The Patron Through the Ages (Commentary Magazine)
Summary
“Old money” refers to established and inherited wealth, generally spanning generations. “New money” (or nouveau riche) refers to money gained during one’s own generation. Both are colloquial terms and benefit from explanation/interrogation.