Gold digger facts for kids

The term gold digger is a slang phrase. It describes a person, often a woman, who seeks a relationship mainly for money or valuable things, rather than for love or genuine connection. If someone marries for these reasons, it's sometimes called a marriage of convenience.

What is a "Gold Digger"?

A "gold digger" is someone who is interested in another person's wealth or possessions more than their personality or feelings. They might look for partners who are very rich. The goal is to gain financial benefits from the relationship. This could mean receiving gifts, money, or a comfortable lifestyle.

Where Did the Term Come From?

The phrase "gold digger" started as slang in the early 1900s. It became much more popular after a play called The Gold Diggers by Avery Hopwood opened in 1919. This play was a big hit. It helped spread the term into everyday language.

"Gold Diggers" in Pop Culture

The idea of a "gold digger" has appeared in many movies, plays, and songs over the years. These stories often show characters who are looking for wealth through relationships.

Movies and Plays

After the successful play, several movies were made with "Gold Diggers" in their titles. One famous example is Gold Diggers of Broadway from 1929. These films often showed chorus girls or young women trying to find wealthy husbands. They helped shape how people thought about the term.

Songs and Music

The term has also been used in popular music. For example, the song "Gold Digger" by Kanye West talks about women who are interested in money. Another song with the same title by EPMD also discusses similar themes. These songs show how the idea has stayed in modern culture.

Why is it a "Gold Digger"?

The term uses a metaphor from mining. Just as miners "dig for gold" in the ground, a "gold digger" is seen as "digging" for wealth from a person. It suggests they are actively searching for someone rich to benefit from.

Important to Know

It's important to remember that "gold digger" is a slang term. It can be seen as a negative or insulting word. It is often used to describe a stereotype, especially about women. Like many slang terms, its meaning can be debated.

Images for kids

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  Lobby card for Gold Diggers of Broadway (1929). This film helped connect chorus girls with the term "gold diggers."

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  An illustration titled The Gold Digger from Judge magazine, published on July 24, 1920.