dosh
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /dˈɒʃ/
US
- /ˈdɑʃ/
Description
- Money
- cash
- spending money
"Dosh" is British slang for money, plain and simple. It is the kind of word you might overhear in a pub or use when chatting with friends about prices, pay, or not having enough cash. It fits casual conversation well, but it would sound out of place in a formal business meeting or an official document. If you're short on dosh, you might skip the fancy dinner or wait until payday. People often use it with verbs like "have," "spend," "save," or "earn."
"Dosh" is an informal British English slang word for money. It usually means money in a general everyday sense, not a specific kind such as coins, wages, or a bank balance, though speakers may use it in all of those situations. The word has a relaxed, conversational feel and is common in speech, light writing, and dialogue.
You are most likely to hear it when someone is talking casually about having money, needing money, spending money, or borrowing money. For example, someone might say they do not have enough dosh for a night out, that a new phone costs a lot of dosh, or that they are trying to save some dosh this month. It can refer to a small amount or a large amount, depending on the context.
Unlike formal terms such as "funds," "income," or "capital," "dosh" belongs mainly in everyday conversation. It would sound natural in friendly talk, in fiction, or in informal media, but not in legal, academic, or business writing. It can also sound slightly playful or warm, which is part of why people use it.
The exact origin of the word is uncertain, but its meaning in modern English is clear: it is a casual British way to talk about money. If you use it, you will usually sound informal, natural, and a little conversational rather than serious or technical.
Examples
- 1
Taxi fare
Have you got enough dosh for the taxi home?
Usage
informal British English
- 2
Holiday planning
We need a bit more dosh before we can book the holiday.
- 3
Online selling
She made a lot of dosh selling vintage clothes online.
- 4
Payday money
I'm a bit short of dosh until payday.
Phrase
short of dosh
not having much money
- 5
Affording housing
They must have plenty of dosh if they can afford a flat like that.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- dosh