- To spend money freely or extravagantly, often on a treat or luxury item.
- Implies spending more than usual, often impulsively or for enjoyment.
Explanation
Origin
- Primarily British English idiom, gaining wider usage. Emerged likely mid-20th century.
- Evokes the image of water splashing – suggesting a free, uninhibited, perhaps slightly showy release (of money).
- Splash can mean a showy display.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Ball out (US slang, spend extravagantly, often implies showing off)
- Drop some serious cash / Drop a wad
- Go large (Spend a lot, live extravagantly)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Blow a fuck-ton of money
Milder/Formal:
- Spend generously
- Make a significant purchase
- Indulge in extravagance
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal to semi-formal.
- Common in British, Australian, and New Zealand English. Increasingly understood in North America.
- Used when talking about personal spending, holidays, treats, etc. Less common in formal business contexts unless talking about corporate entertainment, perhaps.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- The literal meaning involving water is irrelevant. Learners need to grasp the connection to spending money freely.
- Americans might be less familiar with it than splurge.
Examples
- We decided to splash out on a fancy hotel for our anniversary.
- He got a big bonus, so he splashed out on a new sports car.
- Let's splash out and get the really good seats for the concert.
Dialogue
Liam: You look happy! What's going on?
Chloe: We just booked our summer holiday! We decided to really splash out this year and go to the Maldives.
Liam: Wow, the Maldives! That's incredible! You're going to have an amazing time.
Chloe: I know, I can't wait! We figured after the last couple of years, we deserved to splash out a bit.
Social Media Examples
- Instagram caption (photo of fancy meal): Decided to splash out for date night! Worth every penny. #foodie #treatyourself #datenight
- Twitter (UK user): Just splashed out on tickets to see my favourite band! So excited! #music #concert
- Facebook post: Anyone else tempted to splash out in the January sales?
Response Patterns
- Approval/Enthusiasm: Oh, nice!, Good for you!, You deserve it!, Sounds amazing!
- Vicarious enjoyment: Ooh, lucky you!, I wish!
- Mild caution (less common): Don't go too crazy!
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- People often ask for details about the purchase or experience: Which hotel did you choose?, What kind of car?, How was the concert?
- May lead to discussion about the special occasion or reason for splashing out.
Conversation Starter
- No. Describes an action of spending, usually in response to a question or as part of explaining a purchase/plan.
Intonation
- Often said with enthusiasm, excitement, or a sense of indulgence.
- Stress typically falls on SPLASH and OUT.
Generation Differences
- Understood across generations in regions where it's common. Might be slightly more prevalent among Gen X and older Millennials in the UK/Commonwealth.
Regional Variations
- Primarily British, Australian, New Zealand English. Splurge is a more common American English equivalent.