Definition of the word money bags

The expression "money bags" is a figurative phrase used to describe a person or entity that has a significant amount of wealth or financial resources. The literal meaning of "money bags" is a bundle or sack filled with currency. The origin of this phrase can be traced back to the 18th century when the flour sack, which was commonly used to transport flour, became a popular symbol of wealth due to its bulging shape. The association between these sacks and wealth eventually led to the emergence of the term "money bags" in the latter part of the 19th century. In the early 20th century, the term "money bags" became popular in the US during the era of gangsters and organized crime. It was often used to describe wealthy individuals who were involved in criminal activities and had illicit sources of income, thus suggesting a metaphorical image of a person carrying bags filled with money generated through corrupt means. Today, the term "money bags" is used more broadly to describe anyone who has an abundance of wealth, regardless of its origins. Its meaning has also evolved to become a marked contrast between those with financial resources and those without, accentuating the financial inequality that exists in societies. In short, the expression "money bags" is a humble yet impactful representation of wealth, serving as an effective metaphor for the notion of financial resources and all its implications.