Definition

Having no money or very little money; financially destitute. Slang for being in a state of financial hardship or having spent all one's cash.

Example Usage

I can't go out this weekend—I'm completely broke until payday.

Origin

From the past participle of 'break'; metaphorically, one's finances are 'broken' or depleted.

Fun Fact

The term gained widespread slang popularity in the 20th century but has roots in older expressions about broken financial circumstances.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

Related Terms

Beginner

Topdeck

Magic: The Gathering (MTG), Hearthstone, and otherCCGplayers use topdeck to refer to a player drawing a card from their deck. Most often, players use topdeck when they hope to draw (or have just drawn) a specific card from their deck.

📱 Gen-Z / Internet Slang
Beginner

two-tone

The telltale tan pattern that reveals your summer wardrobe choices, featuring deeply tanned exposed skin and ghostly pale areas that rarely see sunlight. It's the badge of honor for outdoor workers and the source of embarrassment when you actually take your shirt off. Also known as 'farmer's tan' or 'the golf tan.'

📱 Gen-Z / Internet Slang
Beginner

Wisker Rub

It's the moustache rub's little brother. A wisker rub occurs when a 5 o'clock shadow is used to provide sexual favors to a woman's private parts.

📱 Gen-Z / Internet Slang
Beginner

Goosed up

That moment when something startles, scares, or creeps you out so badly that your skin erupts in goosebumps—whether from genuine fear, eerie vibes, or someone jumping out to terrify you.

📱 Gen-Z / Internet Slang
Beginner

usa

United States of America

📱 Gen-Z / Internet Slang
Intermediate

cartiquette

Shopping cart etiquette—the sadly underappreciated social contract of grocery store navigation. It encompasses lane discipline, spatial awareness, and the basic courtesy of not parking your cart perpendicular across the aisle while you contemplate soup options for seventeen minutes.

📱 Gen-Z / Internet Slang

Translate This Term

See “broke” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.

Try the Translator

Share This Term

Post on XShare on FacebookShare on LinkedIn

Discover a Term

Intermediate

echelon

A stepped formation where units are arranged diagonally, like a staircase made of soldiers or vehicles. Also refers to l...