Words Unravelled with RobWords and Jess Zafarris How did currencies get their names? | MONEY WORDS
Jul 30, 2025
Dive into the origins of currency and discover where the dollar sign came from. Unravel the meaning of the British pound and learn about the goddess after whom all money is named. Explore the playful evolution of slang terms for money, and see how Yiddish has influenced American commerce language. Delight in the intertwining histories of currency symbols and their cultural significance, shedding light on how money reflects societal values and historical figures.
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Money's Origin with Moneta
- The word "money" originates from the Latin "moneta," which was a title for the Roman goddess Juno associated with a mint temple.
- Money and mint share this root, linking cash to concepts of advising and prudence.
Dollar from Bohemian Thalers
- The word "dollar" comes from the "Joachimsthaler," coins minted from silver in a Bohemian valley.
- This origin is older than the US dollar and spread through Spanish and German influences.
Origins of the Dollar Sign
- The dollar sign $ likely derives from superimposing the 'P' and 'S' of 'pesos.'
- The Spanish dollar's symbol influenced this, as Spanish pesos were abbreviated as 'PS' in ledgers.
