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walking-around money

American  
[waw-king-uh-round] / ˈwɔ kɪŋ əˈraʊnd /

noun

  1. money that is carried on the person for routine expenses and minor emergencies; pocket money.

  2. Also called street moneyPolitical Slang. cash sums given by political managers, district leaders, or the like, to grass-roots workers and others for expenses incurred while canvassing for votes or doing other chores before an election.


Etymology

Origin of walking-around money

1975–80, walking-around money for def. 2

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

The days of someone always carrying a little walking-around money seem long gone.

From Washington Post Mar. 9, 2022

If, that is, you and me happen to have a few hundred thousand dollars or more of walking-around money on hand.

From Seattle Times Oct. 11, 2021

The roll of walking-around money in his pocket would purchase, in 2012 terms, $7,000 worth of goods, services, favors, or indulgences.

From Slate Mar. 23, 2012

Back then, the half-forgotten Jake LaMotta was only too glad of a few talkshow appearances and some walking-around money.

From The Guardian Oct. 8, 2010

Maybe they’d give him some walking-around money too.

From "We'll Fly Away" by Bryan Bliss

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