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Bucks Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bucks

[bÊŒks ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

money

Bucks is a slang term for dollars, commonly used in the United States. It is often used informally to refer to money in general.

Synonyms

cash, dollars, money.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bucks

Informal situations. Often used in casual conversations and when talking about small to moderate amounts of money.

  • I need to borrow ten bucks for lunch.
  • This new gadget costs a few bucks.
dollars

Formal or standard term for currency in countries using the dollar. Common in business, transactions, and more formal conversations.

  • The item is priced at 50 dollars.
  • He earns a few thousand dollars a month.
cash

Used when referring to physical money in the form of bills and coins. Often used in contexts where payments are made by hand.

  • I don't have any cash on me; can I pay by card?
  • The shop only accepts cash payments.
money

General term for any form of currency. Used in both informal and formal contexts.

  • I need money to buy a new phone.
  • She saved up a lot of money for her trip.

Examples of usage

  • I need to earn some bucks to pay my bills.
  • She makes a lot of bucks working as a lawyer.
  • He offered me 50 bucks for the old book.
Context #2 | Noun

deer

Bucks is also used to refer to male deer, especially when discussing hunting or wildlife.

Synonyms

hart, male deer, stag.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bucks

Informally used to refer to money, especially in American English. The term can also mean a male deer, but is less specific compared to 'stag' or 'hart'.

  • I need 20 bucks for the movie tickets.
  • During the hike, we saw several bucks in the forest.

Examples of usage

  • We saw a magnificent buck in the forest.
  • The hunter aimed at the buck standing in the clearing.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'big bucks' became popular in the 20th century, often used to describe large amounts of money, especially in business and marketing.
  • Television shows and movies frequently showcase the idea of 'getting bucks' as a measure of success or lifestyle, reinforcing its slang use.
  • Despite being informal, the term appears in various song lyrics, illustrating its cultural significance and popularity.

Financial Context

  • In economics, the slang term often appears in discussions of budgeting, spending, and saving, especially in casual conversations.
  • The dollar sign ($) is often humorously replaced with a 'B' for bucks in advertisements to grab attention.
  • Using 'bucks' instead of dollars can create a more casual, friendly atmosphere in financial discussions.

Regional Variants

  • 'Bucks' is primarily used in the United States, but some English-speaking countries have similar slang like 'quid' for pounds in the UK.
  • In some regions, 'bucks' may refer specifically to the U.S. dollar, while in others, it might refer to any currency.
  • Australian slang includes 'bucks' in terms of Australian dollars, showing how local culture influences language.

Psychology

  • 'Bucks' is used to simplify financial discussions, making money seem less intimidating and more relatable.
  • Using informal terms for money can affect people's spending behaviors, making them feel more casual about expenditures.
  • The playful nature of the word encourages a light-hearted approach to discussions about finances, which can reduce stress.

Origin of 'bucks'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'buck' originated in the 18th century, derived from 'buckskin,' referring to deer skins that were used as a medium of exchange.
  • The word evolved to mean money in the context of trading, especially in the American frontier culture.
  • In some Native American cultures, animal pelts were used for bartering, making 'bucks' a symbolic name for currency.

The term 'bucks' as a slang for dollars originated in the United States in the mid-19th century. It is believed to have come from the use of buckskins (deer hides) as a form of currency among early settlers and traders. Over time, the term evolved to simply mean dollars. As for its usage in reference to male deer, this dates back to Old English and has been used in various forms throughout history.

See also: buck, bucket, buckler.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,317, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.