Money Talks – Definition, Meaning & Origin

Proverbs and sayings often capture the wisdom of generations, distilling complex ideas into memorable phrases. One such saying is “money talks,” which highlights the powerful influence of financial resources in our lives. Understanding proverbs requires cultural and traditional comprehension, which is a linguistic relic. This article explores the origins and implications of this well-known proverb, examining how it continues to shape our actions and decisions in various spheres of society.

Below, you’ll find several examples of ways “money talks,” that will illustrate the idea that wealth holds significant power in shaping outcomes and influencing behavior.

The example scenarios display the meaning of the idiom “money talks.” As seen in these examples, it is a figurative expression that means money has the power to influence people’s actions and decisions. While it can be considered metaphorical, it is specifically categorized as an idiom instead of a metaphor. This is mainly because it conveys a meaning that is not immediately obvious from the individual words but is understood through common usage. In this case, “money talks” provides general truths (proverbial aspect) while also using figurative language that isn’t immediately clear from the individual words (idiomatic aspect).

The visual meaning of “money talks” evokes a series of images that symbolically represent the power and influence of wealth in our world. The imagery is rich with symbolism and can be interpreted in various aspects of life, depending on the setting.

Visually, this proverb signifies that financial power can influence and alter the usual rules or procedures, providing preferential treatment to those who can afford it. This concept is vividly illustrated in a scenario where a wealthy individual cuts in line at an airport through financial means, while other people in the queue appear visibly frustrated. This scene emphasizes the disparity in treatment based on wealth, highlighting the power of money to affect outcomes and behaviors. Additionally, “money talks” highlights the darker side of financial influence, where money is used unethically to achieve certain ends, demonstrating how monetary power can be exploited to bypass fairness and equity.

How to use it

The phrase “money talks” is versatile and can be applied in numerous situations, from personal experiences to broader societal observations. The following are examples of various modern contexts where the proverb may be used.

Origin and history

The origin and history of the proverbial saying “money talks” is not precisely documented, but it can be traced back to the mid-19th century in the United States. The exact first usage is unclear, but it has been widely used since then to convey the idea that money holds significant power and influence. During this period, the United States was undergoing rapid industrialization and economic growth. Wealth and financial power became increasingly prominent, and the proverbial expression likely emerged from this context to succinctly express the notion that those without money could exert considerable influence and achieve their goals more readily.

This saying may also be inspired by earlier forms such as “gold speaks,” which is a translation from Italian author Giovanni Torriano who wrote “Piazza Universale di Proverbi Italiani” or “A Common Place of Italian Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases” in 1666. The idea behind this idiom might have existed even earlier, as it was articulated by Greek playwright Euripides in the fifth century B.C. Approximately 2,000 years later, Dutch philosopher and humanist Erasmus referred to “the talking power of money” in his collection of proverbs “Adagia” (1532). However, as stated before, the precise current phrasing, “money talks,” only began to be used around the year 1900.

The exact wording of this proverb appears in the historical novel “The Outlaw of Thorn” which was published in 1927 by author Edgar Rice Burroughs. In the story, an outlaw joins the war on the side of a rebel leader and meanwhile falls in love with the leader’s daughter. The woman dismisses Lord Satan’s words, highlighting her preference for the tangible benefits that his money can provide over his manipulative speech. This reflects the broader theme that money can have a significant influence and power, often outweighing moral considerations.

“I would rather hear thy money talk than thou, for though it come accursed and tainted from thy rogue hand, yet it speaks with the same sweet commanding voice as it were fresh from the coffers of the holy church.”

Similar proverbs and synonyms

There is a list of comparable proverbs and synonyms that focus on the themes of wealth being equivalent to power. The following list shows several widely known ones worth mentioning: