- To be extremely wealthy.
- Often used negatively or sarcastically, especially when refusing a request for money, implying the asker has an unrealistic perception of one's wealth.
Explanation
Origin
- Figurative expression dating back to at least the mid-19th century.
- Suggests someone's very being is composed of money, implying an inexhaustible supply.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal (for refusal):
- Money doesn't grow on trees. (Very common alternative refusal)
- Do I look like an ATM?
- I'm not exactly rolling in it myself.
Vulgar/Emphatic (for refusal):
- Fuck no, I'm not made of money!
- Are you fucking kidding me? I can't afford that!
- Do I look like I shit money? (Very vulgar)
Milder (for refusal):
- I'm sorry, I can't afford that right now.
- That's a bit out of my price range.
- We need to stick to our budget.
Milder (for description):
- Extremely wealthy
- Very affluent
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal.
- The sarcastic refusal is common within families or close relationships but can be perceived as rude otherwise.
- Describing someone this way can sound gossipy or judgmental. Avoid in formal settings.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- The sarcasm in refusals is crucial. Non-native speakers might miss the tone and think it's a genuine question about appearance.
- Ensure understanding that it implies vast, seemingly limitless wealth.
Examples
- (Refusing a request) Another new toy? What do you think, I'm made of money?
- (Describing someone) He never looks at price tags; his family is made of money.
Dialogue
Teenager: Can I get $200 for that concert? Pleeeease?
Parent: Two hundred dollars?! Do I look like I'm made of money? We have a budget, remember?
Teenager: But everyone else is going!
Social Media Examples
- Meme Text: Kid asks for expensive item. Parent replies: What do I look like, made of money?
- Tweet: The university just raised tuition fees AGAIN. Do they think students (and their parents) are made of money?! #StudentDebt #HigherEd
- Comment on a luxury item post: Wow, you must be made of money to afford that!
Response Patterns
- To refusal: Apology (Sorry, I didn't mean...), justification (But I really need...), silence, dropping the request.
- To description: Agreement (Yeah, must be nice), curiosity (Really? How rich?), envy (Wish that were me).
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- After refusal: The conversation might become awkward, or the asker might try to justify their request or negotiate.
- After description: Questions about the person's lifestyle, source of wealth, or how they spend their money.
Conversation Starter
- No.
- It's almost always a response (often a refusal) or a comment about someone else.
Intonation
- When refusing: Sharp, exasperated tone. Stress on MADE and MONEY. MADE of MONEY?!
- When describing: More neutral, perhaps envious or matter-of-fact. He's practically MADE of MONEY.
Generation Differences
- Very common and well-understood across all generations. A staple parental response.
Regional Variations
- Widely used in most English-speaking countries.