fast buck

noun

Slang.

1. money made easily or quickly and sometimes unscrupulously.

   He speculated briefly in the commodities market in the hope of making a fast buck.

Other Word Forms

• fast-buck adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of fast buck¹

An Americanism dating back to 1945–50

Idioms and Phrases

Money made quickly and easily and, often, dishonestly. For example, He's all right, but his partner is just out for a fast buck. This expression gave rise to fast-buck artist for an individual, especially a swindler, intent on making money quickly. [Slang; mid-1900s] Also see easy money.