play money

American  

noun

1. paper that is cut and printed to resemble paper money, often used in playing board games.

2. Informal.  worthless or counterfeit currency.

   The bankrupt government was putting play money in circulation.

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Example Sentences

You may encounter someone who is quacking — the aforementioned duck pox — or be pulled aside and handed a sack of play money, a stolen good one Ghost Town “resident” was hoping could be used to win the affections of another.

From Los Angeles Times

“You feel like you’re playing with fake money or play money. Monopoly money,” Cappelen said.

From Washington Times

With two hours to go before the first pitch, staff members in the stadium kitchen were wrapping hot dogs in foil and randomly inserting play money into some.

From New York Times

There’s $38 billion in discretionary play money and another $38 billion that’s restricted.

From Los Angeles Times

For what’s left, we each consider it our “play money.”

From Slate