Dirt cheap

Meaning

The idiom "dirt cheap" means an item or service that is very inexpensive, often to the point of being almost free. It can also imply that the item is of low quality or value. This phrase was first used in the early 20th century and became more popular during the Great Depression when people were looking for ways to save money.

Usage

• "I found a dress at the thrift store that was dirt cheap, but it looked like it belonged in the 90s."
• "The old movie theater on Main Street sold tickets for dirt cheap prices, making it a popular destination for families on a budget."
• "She bought all her groceries at the farmers' market for dirt cheap prices, supporting local farmers and getting fresh produce at the same time."
• "His boss offered him a promotion with only a small raise in salary, which he found insulting since he was already working dirt cheap hours."
• "The new hamburger joint on campus has been getting rave reviews for their dirt cheap prices and delicious burgers."

Roots and History

The phrase "dirt cheap" originated in the 1920s when people started looking for ways to save money during the Great Depression. The term "dirt cheap" was used to describe items or services that were so inexpensive, they could be bought for "dirt" (which is another name for earth or soil) and almost nothing more. Over time, the phrase became associated with low-quality or value items, as people started using it to describe things that were not worth the price they were being sold for.

Synonyms in English

• Inexpensive
• Cheap
• Affordable
• Budget-friendly
• Economical

Synonyms in other languages

• French - "Bon marché" (good price)
• Spanish - "Aprecio" (price, cost)
• Italian - "Prezzo" (price, cost)
• German - "Preis" (price, cost)
• Japanese - "値得" (value for money)

Similar Idioms

• down the drain

• drop by

• don’t put all your eggs in one basket