The phrase "almighty dollar" is a common expression used to describe the power and influence of money in society. The spelling is straightforward, with the IPA phonetic transcription representing the standard pronunciation: /ɔːlˈmaɪtiː ˈdɒlər/. The stress is on the first syllable of "almighty" and the second syllable of "dollar." The word "almighty" is spelled with a silent "h" and "dollars" is spelled with two "l"s in American English, distinguishing it from the British English spelling of "dollar."
The phrase "almighty dollar" is a prominent idiomatic expression referring to the immense power and influence of money and wealth in society. It is commonly used to emphasize the overarching importance and dominance of financial wealth in various aspects of life, particularly in commerce, politics, and social interactions. This phrase encompasses the notion that money holds significant sway over decisions, actions, and even personal values.
The term "almighty" alludes to the supreme power or authority possessed by a divine entity, such as a deity. In this context, "almighty dollar" symbolizes the almost god-like control and supremacy that money bestows upon individuals, institutions, and economies. It underscores the belief that money has the ability to shape circumstances, dictate choices, and often override other considerations, such as morality or human needs.
Additionally, the expression acknowledges the pervasive influence of money across cultures and societies, transcending geographical boundaries and cultural distinctions. From corporate realms to everyday transactions, the influence of the "almighty dollar" is acknowledged as a key factor in many facets of life.
However, it is worth noting that the expression can be used both pejoratively to criticize the excessive power of money and positively to highlight its potential benefits and opportunities. The definition of "almighty dollar" ultimately encapsulates money's formidable impact on society and its significance as a symbol of wealth, power, and influence.
The phrase "almighty dollar" is attributed to the American writer and satirist Washington Irving. It first appeared in his work "The Creole Village", published in 1836. However, the actual origin and etymology of the word "dollar" predates Irving's usage.
The term "dollar" comes from the German word "Thaler" or "Taler", which was a silver coin used in Europe since the 16th century. The Thaler was originally minted in the Kingdom of Bohemia (now Czech Republic) and became widely circulated throughout Europe due to its consistent weight and purity. In the English-speaking world, the pronunciation and spelling gradually evolved to "dollar".
As for the adjective "almighty" added to "dollar", it emphasizes the immense significance and power attributed to the currency in Irving's usage.