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]