funny money

noun

, Slang.

1. counterfeit currency.
2. money from undisclosed or questionable sources.
3. currency of little value, as of a nation whose currency has been artificially inflated or recently devaluated.
4. any foreign currency.

funny money

noun

1. a sum of money so large as to be considered unreal
2. counterfeit money
3. derogatory.
   foreign currency

Word History and Origins

Origin of funny money¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Idioms and Phrases

Counterfeit money; also, money from an obscure or questionable source. For example, The police warned storekeepers that some funny money was being passed around town . This expression probably endures because of its rhyme. [1930s]

Example Sentences

A new, unholy alliance has emerged on Capitol Hill, and it’s hoping not just to recraft governmental policy around digital funny money but to push its antiregulatory agenda across a whole host of elections.

From Slate

A decade ago, a funny money mystery fell into the hands of scientists and students at the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru in Lima.

From New York Times

"Until recently Swedes were bidding up the price of homes with funny money," said Andreas Cervenka, author of "Greedy Sweden", a book examining inequality driven partly by the housing boom.

From Reuters

"With rising interest rates, that funny money has turned into real money and it is painful."

From Reuters

It’s diabolical behavior intended to harass Jackson for valuing himself fully and scare Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow or any other young franchise quarterback who dreams of a contract free of funny money.

From Washington Post