Filthy rich

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Filthy rich" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is extremely wealthy, often with a connotation of having acquired wealth in a morally questionable way. Example: "After selling his startup for millions, he became filthy rich overnight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Filthy rich.

The Guardian

FILTHY RICH, by Dorothy Samuels.

The New York Times - Books

And a few people are getting filthy rich from it.

Independent

"Biggest ever filthy rich orgy," screamed its headline.

Independent

It was also different not being filthy rich".

The New Yorker

How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia.

The Economist

With the reading of the will, he'd be filthy rich.

The New Yorker

"I never have to be filthy rich," he said.

The New Yorker

Creepy, kooky, mysterious and spooky – and also filthy rich.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Versailles clearly has an appeal for the filthy rich.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Have you had it with sports defined by coach-choking players and filthy- rich teenagers?

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "filthy rich", be mindful of the context and audience, as it can carry a negative connotation. Consider more neutral alternatives like "extremely wealthy" in formal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "filthy rich" in academic or professional documents. Opt for more appropriate terms such as "high-net-worth individuals" or "affluent" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "filthy rich" is as a compound adjective. It modifies a noun, describing someone or something possessing extreme wealth. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "filthy rich" is a commonly used adjective phrase that describes someone with extreme wealth. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct and primarily appears in informal and neutral contexts, such as news articles. While it effectively conveys a high degree of wealth, it's essential to be aware of its potentially negative connotations, particularly in formal settings. Alternatives like "extremely wealthy" or "affluent" may be more suitable in such cases. Therefore, when using "filthy rich", consider your audience and the intended tone to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Extremely wealthy

Replaces the informal "filthy" with a more neutral and direct descriptor of wealth.

Stinking rich

Uses a different adjective to emphasize the abundance of wealth, similar to "filthy" but with a slightly different connotation.

Rolling in money

An idiomatic expression indicating having a lot of money, focusing on the abundance.

Loaded with cash

Highlights the possession of a large amount of cash, emphasizing liquidity.

Opulent

Focuses on the lavish and luxurious lifestyle associated with extreme wealth.

Affluent beyond measure

Emphasizes the immeasurability of their wealth, indicating a vast amount.

Incredibly prosperous

Highlights the success and financial flourishing leading to great wealth.

Wealthy to a fault

Suggests wealth is so extreme it may be excessive or problematic.

Financially independent

Focuses on the freedom and security derived from having significant wealth.

Comfortably well-off

A more understated way of saying someone is wealthy, focusing on comfort and security.

FAQs

How to use "filthy rich" in a sentence?

You can use "filthy rich" to describe someone who has a lot of money. For example: "After his company went public, he became "filthy rich" overnight."

What can I say instead of "filthy rich"?

You can use alternatives like "extremely wealthy", "stinking rich", or "rolling in money" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "filthy rich" or "filthy wealthy"?

"Filthy rich" is the correct and idiomatic expression. While "wealthy" is a synonym for "rich", the phrase "filthy wealthy" is not commonly used.

What is the difference between "filthy rich" and "rich"?

"Filthy rich" implies a greater degree of wealth than simply "rich". It often suggests that the person is extremely wealthy, possibly to an excessive or even distasteful degree.