Top 51 Slang For Poor – Meaning & Usage

Living on a shoestring budget can be tough, but it doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun with language. In this listicle, we’ve gathered some of the most amusing and creative slang terms for being poor. From “broke as a joke” to “penniless wanderer,” we’ve got you covered with the quirkiest expressions that perfectly capture the experience of being strapped for cash. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to laugh as we take you on a linguistic journey through the world of being “poor as a church mouse.”

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1. Bad off

This term is used to describe someone who is struggling financially or facing economic hardship.

For example, “After losing his job, he was really bad off and struggled to make ends meet.”
A person might say, “I can’t afford to go on vacation this year, I’m pretty bad off.”
Another might comment, “She’s been bad off for a while now, I hope things start looking up for her soon.”

2. Bankrupt

When someone is bankrupt, it means they are unable to repay their debts and have been declared legally insolvent.

For instance, “After the business failed, he was forced to declare bankruptcy.”
A person might say, “I lost everything and ended up bankrupt.”
Another might comment, “She filed for bankruptcy and had to start over.”

3. Beggared

To be beggared means to be brought to a state of extreme poverty or destitution.

For example, “After the fire, the family was beggared and had to rely on charity.”
A person might say, “He was beggared by his gambling addiction.”
Another might comment, “The economic crisis left many people beggared and struggling to survive.”

4. Beggarly

This term is used to describe something that is very poor in quality or quantity, or someone who is extremely poor.

For instance, “The beggarly wages she earned were barely enough to cover her basic needs.”
A person might say, “They offered me a beggarly sum for my car.”
Another might comment, “The living conditions in the slums were beggarly.”

5. Behind the eight ball

This phrase is used to describe someone who is in a challenging or disadvantageous situation, often due to financial difficulties.

For example, “After losing his job, he found himself behind the eight ball and struggling to pay his bills.”
A person might say, “They’re really behind the eight ball with their mounting debts.”
Another might comment, “Being behind the eight ball can make it difficult to escape the cycle of poverty.”

6. Broke

This term is used to describe someone who does not have enough money to meet their needs or desires. It can be used to describe both temporary and long-term financial situations.

For example, “I can’t go out tonight, I’m broke.”
Someone might say, “I’m so broke, I can’t afford to pay my bills.”
In a conversation about personal finances, one person might ask, “Have you ever been broke before?”

7. Destitute

This term is used to describe someone who is extremely poor and lacks basic necessities such as food, shelter, and clothing. It implies a state of complete poverty and desperation.

For instance, “The homeless man on the street is destitute.”
In a discussion about poverty, one might say, “Many people in developing countries live in destitution.”
A person might use this term to describe their own financial situation by saying, “I lost my job and now I’m completely destitute.”

8. Dirt poor

This expression is used to emphasize someone’s extreme poverty. It suggests that the person has no financial resources and is living in a state of extreme deprivation.

For example, “They grew up in a dirt poor neighborhood.”
In a conversation about wealth inequality, someone might say, “There are still people living in dirt poor conditions.”
A person might describe their own financial situation by saying, “I come from a dirt poor family.”

9. Down-and-out

This term is used to describe someone who is not only financially poor but also lacking opportunities and hope. It implies a state of despair and helplessness.

For instance, “He was once a successful businessman, but now he’s down-and-out.”
In a discussion about social issues, one might say, “Many homeless individuals are down-and-out.”
A person might use this term to describe their own situation by saying, “I lost everything and now I’m down-and-out.”

10. Empty-handed

This expression is used to describe someone who has nothing to offer or has not achieved any desired outcome. It can refer to both material possessions and accomplishments.

For example, “Despite his efforts, he came back empty-handed.”
In a conversation about failed attempts, someone might say, “I tried to find a job, but I came back empty-handed.”
A person might use this term to describe their own situation by saying, “I went to the store to buy groceries, but I left empty-handed.”

11. Flat

This term is used to describe someone who has no money or is financially struggling. It implies a lack of funds or resources.

For example, “I can’t go out tonight, I’m flat broke.”
Someone might say, “I need to find a job soon, I’m flat and can’t afford rent.”
Another might ask, “Can you lend me some money? I’m flat and need to pay my bills.”

12. Flat broke

This phrase means to have no money at all. It emphasizes the complete lack of funds.

For instance, “I can’t even afford groceries, I’m flat broke.”
Someone might say, “I lost my job and now I’m flat broke.”
Another might admit, “I made some bad financial decisions and now I’m flat broke.”

13. Fortuneless

This term describes someone who is lacking in wealth or fortune. It suggests a state of poverty or extreme financial hardship.

For example, “He was born into a fortuneless family.”
Someone might say, “She lost everything in the stock market crash and is now fortuneless.”
Another might comment, “It’s hard to escape a fortuneless life without opportunities.”

14. Hard up

This slang term refers to someone who is experiencing financial difficulties or is in a tight financial situation.

For instance, “I can’t afford to go on vacation this year, I’m hard up.”
Someone might say, “I’m hard up for cash, can you lend me some?”
Another might admit, “I’m hard up and can’t afford to buy new clothes.”

15. Impecunious

This word is used to describe someone who is completely without money or very poor. It suggests a lack of financial resources.

For example, “After losing his job, he became impecunious.”
Someone might say, “I’m impecunious and can’t afford to pay my bills.”
Another might comment, “Being impecunious is a constant struggle to make ends meet.”

16. Impoverished

This term refers to individuals or communities who are extremely poor or lacking in financial resources. It implies a state of poverty and often conveys a sense of helplessness or desperation.

For example, “Many families in the impoverished neighborhood struggle to put food on the table.”
In a discussion about income inequality, someone might argue, “The government needs to do more to support the impoverished population.”
A news article might highlight, “The city’s efforts to alleviate poverty have had limited success in uplifting the impoverished communities.”

17. In need

This phrase is used to describe individuals or families who are lacking basic necessities or facing financial hardship. It implies a state of need and often conveys a sense of vulnerability or difficulty.

For instance, “The food bank provides assistance to those in need.”
In a conversation about social welfare, someone might say, “We must prioritize support for those in need.”
A charity organization might advertise, “Donate today to help those in need.”

18. In want

This phrase is used to describe individuals or communities who lack the resources or means to fulfill their desires or needs. It implies a state of lacking and often conveys a sense of longing or deprivation.

For example, “Many children in the community are in want of proper education.”
In a discussion about access to healthcare, someone might argue, “No one should be in want of necessary medical treatment.”
A news headline might read, “The pandemic has left millions in want of stable employment.”

19. Indigent

This term refers to individuals who are extremely poor and lack financial resources or means of support. It implies a state of destitution and often conveys a sense of desperation or helplessness.

For instance, “The organization provides assistance to the indigent population.”
In a conversation about social inequality, someone might say, “We must address the systemic issues that keep people indigent.”
A news report might highlight, “The city’s efforts to address homelessness have been insufficient in helping the indigent population.”

20. Insolvent

This term describes individuals or businesses who are unable to pay their debts or obligations. It implies a state of financial insufficiency and often conveys a sense of financial ruin or failure.

For example, “The company filed for bankruptcy and is now insolvent.”
In a discussion about personal finance, someone might caution, “Avoid excessive debt to prevent becoming insolvent.”
A news article might report, “The economic downturn has left many businesses insolvent and struggling to survive.”

21. Low

When someone is “low,” it means they have little to no money or financial resources. This term is often used to describe someone who is struggling financially or living in poverty.

For example, “I can’t go out tonight, I’m low on cash.”
In a conversation about finances, someone might say, “I’m feeling pretty low right now, I can’t afford to pay my bills.”
A person might sympathize with someone else’s financial situation by saying, “I know what it’s like to be low, I’ve been there before.”

22. Meager

When something is described as “meager,” it means it is lacking in quantity or quality. In the context of slang for poor, it refers to a person’s limited financial resources or income.

For instance, “After paying rent, I only have a meager amount left for groceries.”
In a discussion about financial struggles, someone might say, “I’m living on a meager income, it’s hard to make ends meet.”
A person might describe their financial situation by saying, “I have a meager bank account, I can’t afford any luxuries.”

23. Moneyless

When someone is “moneyless,” it means they have no money at all. This term is often used to describe someone who is extremely poor or destitute.

For example, “I lost my job and now I’m completely moneyless.”
In a conversation about financial hardships, someone might say, “I’ve been moneyless for months, it’s a struggle to survive.”
A person might sympathize with someone’s lack of funds by saying, “I can’t imagine what it’s like to be moneyless, it must be incredibly difficult.”

24. Necessitous

When someone is described as “necessitous,” it means they are in great need or lacking the basic necessities of life, including money. This term emphasizes the person’s extreme poverty or financial hardship.

For instance, “Many families in this community are necessitous and rely on food banks for their meals.”
In a discussion about social inequality, someone might say, “The government needs to do more to help the necessitous population.”
A person might describe their own financial struggles by saying, “I’m in a necessitous situation, I can barely afford to pay my bills.”

25. Needy

When someone is described as “needy,” it means they are lacking in resources, especially financial resources. This term is often used to describe someone who is poor or living in poverty.

For example, “There are many needy families in this neighborhood who need assistance.”
In a conversation about charitable giving, someone might say, “We should donate to organizations that help the needy.”
A person might describe their own financial situation by saying, “I’m feeling really needy right now, I can’t afford basic necessities.”

26. Pauperized

This term refers to someone who has been reduced to extreme poverty or destitution.

For example, “After losing his job, he became pauperized and struggled to make ends meet.”
In a discussion about income inequality, one might say, “Many families are pauperized due to systemic economic issues.”
A person describing their financial situation might say, “I’ve been pauperized by medical bills and can barely afford basic necessities.”

27. Penniless

This slang term is used to describe someone who has no money or is completely without funds.

For instance, “After losing all his savings, he was left penniless.”
In a conversation about financial struggles, someone might say, “I’ve been unemployed for months and I’m completely penniless.”
A person discussing their current financial state might say, “I can’t afford to go out to eat tonight, I’m totally penniless.”

28. Penurious

This term is used to describe someone who is extremely poor or lacking in resources.

For example, “She grew up in a penurious household and had to work multiple jobs to support herself.”
In a discussion about poverty, one might say, “Many people in developing countries live in penurious conditions.”
A person describing their financial struggles might say, “I’m currently in a penurious situation and can’t afford basic necessities.”

29. Pinched

This slang term is used to describe someone who is experiencing financial difficulties or is short on money.

For instance, “After unexpected medical expenses, he found himself pinched for cash.”
In a conversation about budgeting, someone might say, “I’m feeling pinched this month and need to cut back on expenses.”
A person discussing their financial situation might say, “I’ve been pinched lately and have had to rely on credit cards to get by.”

30. Reduced

This term is used to describe someone who is facing financial difficulties or struggles.

For example, “After losing their job, they found themselves in a reduced financial state.”
In a discussion about economic downturns, one might say, “Many families have been reduced to poverty due to the recession.”
A person describing their financial challenges might say, “I’m currently in a reduced state and need to find a way to increase my income.”

31. Scanty

This term refers to having very little or not enough of something, especially in terms of money or resources. It describes a situation of scarcity or lack.

For example, “After paying the bills, I only have a scanty amount of money left for groceries.”
In a discussion about budgeting, someone might say, “I need to be careful with my spending because my income is scanty.”
A person describing their financial situation might say, “I’m living on a scanty budget right now.”

32. Stone broke

This phrase means to be completely without money or broke. It emphasizes the extreme lack of funds.

For instance, “I can’t afford to go out to eat tonight because I’m stone broke.”
In a conversation about financial struggles, someone might say, “I’ve been stone broke for months and can’t seem to catch a break.”
A person describing their current financial state might say, “I lost my job and now I’m stone broke.”

33. Strapped

This term describes a situation where one has very little money or is experiencing financial difficulty. It implies a sense of being constrained or limited.

For example, “I can’t go on vacation this year because I’m strapped for cash.”
In a discussion about saving money, someone might say, “I need to be careful with my spending because I’m strapped right now.”
A person describing their financial situation might say, “I’m feeling strapped lately and can’t afford any luxuries.”

34. Suffering

This word is used to describe the condition of being in a state of financial hardship or struggling financially.

For instance, “Many families are suffering due to the economic downturn.”
In a conversation about poverty, someone might say, “The suffering of the poor is often overlooked.”
A person describing their financial state might say, “I’m currently suffering and can’t afford basic necessities.”

35. Truly needy

This phrase is used to describe individuals or families who are truly in need or living in poverty. It emphasizes the genuine and severe nature of their financial situation.

For example, “We need to provide support for the truly needy in our society.”
In a discussion about social welfare, someone might say, “Government programs should prioritize assistance for the truly needy.”
A person describing their financial state might say, “I’m one of the truly needy and rely on food banks to survive.”

36. Underprivileged

This term refers to individuals or groups who lack the resources, opportunities, or privileges that are available to others in society. It often implies a lack of access to basic necessities or social advantages.

For example, a social worker might say, “Our organization provides support for underprivileged children in the community.”
In a discussion about education, someone might argue, “Equal access to quality education is crucial for breaking the cycle of underprivileged communities.”
A news article might highlight, “The underprivileged population in this city faces numerous challenges, including high rates of poverty and limited access to healthcare.”

37. Unprosperous

This term describes a state of financial hardship or lack of prosperity. It suggests a condition of poverty or economic struggle.

For instance, someone might say, “After losing their job, they found themselves in an unprosperous situation.”
In a conversation about economic inequality, a person might comment, “The unprosperous often face limited opportunities for upward mobility.”
A news headline might read, “The unprosperous continue to bear the brunt of economic downturns.”

38. Distressed

This term refers to individuals or communities who are in a state of distress or need. It implies a lack of resources or support, often resulting in a difficult or challenging situation.

For example, a charitable organization might focus on providing assistance to distressed families in the community.
In a discussion about social welfare, someone might argue, “Government programs should prioritize support for the most distressed populations.”
A news report might highlight, “The distressed neighborhoods in this city face high rates of unemployment and limited access to healthcare.”

39. Miserably poor

This term describes individuals or families who are in a state of extreme poverty or destitution. It emphasizes the harsh living conditions and lack of basic necessities that these individuals face.

For instance, someone might say, “They grew up in a miserably poor household, struggling to make ends meet.”
In a conversation about income inequality, a person might comment, “The gap between the rich and the miserably poor continues to widen.”
A news article might report, “Many families in this region live in miserably poor conditions, lacking access to clean water and adequate housing.”

40. Short

This term is a colloquial way of describing someone who is facing financial difficulties or struggling to make ends meet. It suggests a lack of financial stability or resources.

For example, someone might say, “I’m a bit short this month, so I can’t afford to go out for dinner.”
In a discussion about personal finance, a person might share, “I’ve been short for a while now, trying to save up for a down payment on a house.”
A news headline might read, “Many families are feeling the financial strain and coming up short on basic necessities.”

41. Stranded

When someone is “stranded,” it means they are financially unable to meet their basic needs. This term is often used to describe a person who is living in poverty or experiencing financial hardship.

For example, “After losing his job, he was left stranded and unable to pay his bills.”
In a discussion about poverty, someone might say, “Many families are stranded due to the high cost of living.”
A person sharing their personal experience might say, “I was stranded for months after my business failed.”

42. Skint

When someone is “skint,” it means they have no money or are experiencing financial difficulties. This term is commonly used in British slang to describe someone who is broke or struggling financially.

For instance, “I can’t go out tonight, I’m skint.”
In a conversation about finances, someone might say, “I’m completely skint, I can’t afford to pay my rent.”
A person sharing their financial situation might say, “I’ve been skint for months and it’s been really tough.”

43. Down and out

When someone is “down and out,” it means they are completely without money or resources. This term is often used to describe someone who is living in extreme poverty or experiencing a period of financial hardship.

For example, “After losing his job and home, he was left down and out.”
In a discussion about homelessness, someone might say, “Many people on the streets are down and out.”
A person sharing their personal experience might say, “I’ve been down and out before, and it’s a difficult situation to escape.”

44. Struggling

When someone is “struggling,” it means they are experiencing financial difficulty or living in poverty. This term is often used to describe individuals or families who are facing economic challenges and finding it difficult to make ends meet.

For instance, “Many families are struggling to afford basic necessities.”
In a conversation about income inequality, someone might say, “The working poor are often struggling to make a living.”
A person sharing their financial situation might say, “I’ve been struggling for years, and it’s been a constant battle.”

45. Hand-to-mouth

When someone is “living hand-to-mouth,” it means they are living with only enough money for basic necessities and have no savings or financial security. This term is often used to describe individuals or families who are barely able to meet their daily needs.

For example, “After losing his job, he was living hand-to-mouth.”
In a discussion about poverty, someone might say, “Many people are trapped in a hand-to-mouth existence.”
A person sharing their personal experience might say, “I’ve been living hand-to-mouth for years, and it’s a constant struggle.”

46. Poverty-stricken

This term describes individuals or communities who are living in extreme poverty or experiencing financial hardship.

For example, “The poverty-stricken family struggled to make ends meet each month.”
In a discussion about global poverty, someone might say, “Many countries in Africa are still poverty-stricken.”
A news article might describe a poverty-stricken neighborhood as, “An area plagued by unemployment and lack of resources.”

47. Hard-pressed

This phrase is used to describe someone who is facing financial difficulties or is under pressure due to financial constraints.

For instance, “The hard-pressed single mother worked multiple jobs to support her children.”
In a conversation about the rising cost of living, someone might say, “Many families are hard-pressed to afford basic necessities.”
A news headline might read, “Hard-pressed workers struggle to make ends meet in the current economy.”

48. Skid row

This term originated in the early 20th century to describe a run-down area inhabited by impoverished individuals, often associated with addiction and homelessness.

For example, “The city’s skid row is known for its high rate of homelessness.”
In a discussion about urban poverty, someone might say, “Many cities have areas that resemble skid rows.”
A news report might highlight efforts to improve conditions in a skid row neighborhood, stating, “Local organizations are working to provide support and resources to skid row residents.”

49. Ragged

When used in the context of poverty, “ragged” refers to the physical appearance of someone who lacks resources and cannot afford proper clothing or belongings.

For instance, “The ragged children played in the streets, wearing tattered clothes.”
In a conversation about the effects of poverty, someone might say, “Living in poverty often leads to ragged clothing and limited access to personal hygiene.”
A description of a poverty-stricken community might include, “The houses in the neighborhood were ragged and in need of repair.”

50. Threadbare

Similar to “ragged,” “threadbare” describes something that is worn out or in poor condition, often due to poverty or lack of resources.

For example, “The threadbare carpet in the apartment showed signs of heavy use.”
In a discussion about the effects of poverty on material possessions, someone might say, “Many individuals living in poverty have threadbare furniture and belongings.”
A description of a poverty-stricken household might include, “The family’s threadbare curtains and worn-out sofa reflected their financial struggles.”

51. On the breadline

This phrase refers to someone who is living on or below the poverty line, struggling to make ends meet and barely able to afford basic necessities.

For example, “After losing his job, he found himself on the breadline and had to rely on food banks for meals.”
In a discussion about income inequality, someone might say, “Many families are one paycheck away from being on the breadline.”
A news article might describe a person’s financial situation as, “After years of low wages, she found herself on the breadline, unable to afford rent or healthcare.”