Where does the slang re as money come from?

The slang term "re" for money is a shortened form of "readies", which itself has a fascinating history.

Here's the breakdown:

* "Readies" originated in the 18th century, possibly from the phrase "ready money" (cash that's readily available). It was used in British English to refer to cash or coins.

* "Re" then emerged as a natural abbreviation of "readies" in the 20th century, primarily in the US, becoming popular in the mid-20th century.

* This slang term is now widely understood and used in everyday language, often found in contexts involving gambling, transactions, or discussions about finances.

Here are some examples of how "re" is used:

* "I need to get some re to buy groceries."

* "He won a lot of re at the casino."

* "She's got a lot of re invested in the stock market."

In summary, "re" is a shortened form of "readies," a term derived from "ready money" that became popular in the 18th century. Its use as slang for money evolved in the 20th century and is now a common expression.