pity money

USAGE SUMMARY

The term 'pity money' is not an expression that is commonly used in written English.
It is considered slang, and is often used as an informal way of referring to a sum of money that is given out of sympathy or charity. For example: "My friend was feeling down, so I gave him some pity money to help him out."

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

For some examples: "She gave me some money, now that's cool, I always like a little extra money in the pocket…you never know what you may have to buy at a moment's notice right?" or "she gave me money, now I didn't like that…I couldn't believe she did that… people give me pity money because they feel sorry for me, would you like it?".

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

If they seem annoyed or give you pity-money, then maybe you need to move to a new area.

WikiHow

"By feeling pity, giving money and food, child labour on the streets – a growing business – is supported and the children are sustained on the streets," the group, an initiative of the Cambodia-based Friends-International, writes on its website.

BBC

He might as well have added that the Putins have already settled into the Kremlin, and that it would be a pity to waste money in making them move.

The New York Times

He hoped that Mr. Clinton would take pity and give him money.

The New York Times

All we can hope to leave them now is money".A pity that Larkin is not alive to write a sequel reflecting the recent defence cuts unveiled by this government.Timothy Fearon Kington Magna, Dorset* Letter appears online only.

The Economist

They pity themselves because the money they counted on will not appear in their future; they feel guilty because they have not done enough with the money they've had in the past; they fear who they are without the protection of money in the present — their inconstant, untethered, less shiny selves.

The New Yorker

Lyrics like "We strive for a delicate balance of clever distraction and fear / We glorify money and pity the poor / We're keeping it corporate safe and secure" are catchy, but hit a little close to home for comfort.

Huffington Post

When an attractive blonde (come to think of it, all the women in the first few episodes are blondes) is going into hysterics because her purse and her luggage have been stolen, Lucky takes pity and gives her the money he's just won.

The New York Times - Arts

PITY the poor kid who paid good money for a fake ID in the name of "Nicholas Cage" of "Brew Street".

The New York Times

Pity those poor investors who invested their money with these most recent members of the tech fund sector.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to financial assistance given out of empathy, consider the context and audience. While "pity money" can be used informally, more neutral terms like "charity" or "financial assistance" might be more appropriate in formal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "pity money" in formal or professional contexts, as it can be perceived as insensitive or condescending. Opt for terms like "financial assistance", "charitable donation", or "support" depending on the specific situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pity money" functions as a noun phrase, typically referring to money given out of compassion or sympathy. Ludwig AI analysis confirms it's more informal. It is not a standard or formal term.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

34%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "pity money" is an informal noun phrase referring to money given out of sympathy. Ludwig AI identifies it as slang, recommending careful usage. While grammatically acceptable, its use can be perceived as condescending, making it unsuitable for formal contexts. Alternatives like ""charity money"" or ""financial assistance"" are more neutral and appropriate in professional settings. Its occurrence is rare, mainly found in news and media sources, indicating its limited usage in formal discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

charity money

Replaces "pity" with the more neutral term "charity", focusing on the act of giving rather than the emotion behind it.

handout

Emphasizes the act of giving something to someone in need, often with a slightly negative connotation.

welfare payment

Refers specifically to money provided by the government to support individuals or families in need.

benevolence

Highlights the act of kindness and generosity in providing financial assistance.

donation

Focuses on the act of voluntarily giving money, often to a cause or organization.

alms

Refers to money or food given to the poor, often in a religious context.

assistance funds

Emphasizes the official nature and purpose of the provided money.

compassionate giving

Highlights the emotional aspect of giving, emphasizing empathy and understanding.

financial aid

Indicates money given to those in need to help them achieve a specific goal.

subsidy

Highlights the monetary aid provided to keep prices low and affordable.

FAQs

What does "pity money" mean?

"Pity money" refers to money given out of sympathy or compassion for someone's situation. It is an informal term that can sometimes carry a negative connotation, suggesting the recipient is seen as deserving of pity.

What can I say instead of "pity money"?

You can use alternatives like "charity money", "financial assistance", or "donation", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use the term "pity money"?

The term "pity money" is informal and can be seen as condescending. It is better to use neutral terms like "financial support" or "charitable giving", especially in formal settings.

How does "pity money" differ from other forms of financial help?

"Pity money" implies that the money is given because of the giver's feeling of pity for the recipient, while other terms such as "financial aid" or "grants" suggest a more structured or formalized system of support.