Word of the day: Spondulicks

"Spondulicks" is a plural noun and an old-fashioned slang term meaning money or funds. It is typically used in an informal, humorous, or slightly playful way rather than in serious financial contexts. The word "spondulicks" dates back to the 19th century. It entered English through American slang before spreading to other English-speaking countries, including Canada. It became popular in informal speech and newspaper writing during the late 1800s and early 1900s.

While it’s rarely used in modern Canadian conversation, you might still see it in humorous writing, historical fiction, playful commentary, and retro-style headlines. In Canada, spondulicks would sound lighthearted, slightly comedic, and old-timey.

It is generally not considered appropriate for formal writing, business communication, or legal or financial documents. Instead, it can probably work best in casual storytelling, blogs, creative writing, and nostalgic or humorous contexts.


In Canadian usage, similar informal words include "dough," "bucks," "cash," "loonies" (specifically Canadian one-dollar coins), and "green." "Spondulicks" is a colourful, old-fashioned slang term for money. While not commonly used in modern Canadian speech, it adds humour and personality when used deliberately in informal or creative contexts.

Dictionary meaning of spondulicks

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, spondulicks is an old-fashioned informal plural noun meaning money (used humorously or slangily).

Merriam-Webster defines "spondulicks" as a plural noun, pronounced "spon-du-licks" (also spelled "spondulix"), that originally had an archaic meaning referring to fractional currency or small change but, in modern usage, is considered old-fashioned slang for money or funds; in Canadian English, it is typically used in a lighthearted or humorous way when talking about money.