broke

When someone says they are broke, they are telling you they have zero money in their wallet or bank account. It is a very common, informal way to describe being short on cash.

Think of it as a temporary state for most people. You might be broke on a Thursday, but then you get paid on Friday and suddenly you are not broke anymore! It is a relatable struggle that almost everyone experiences at some point in their life.

In a more serious sense, it can describe a business that has run out of money completely. If a company is broke, they might have to close their doors because they cannot pay their bills or their employees. It is a word that carries a lot of weight, whether you are talking about a student buying lunch or a massive corporation failing.

The word broke comes from the Old English word brecan, which simply meant to break or shatter. Over time, the meaning shifted from physical destruction to financial ruin.

Historically, the phrase broken was used to describe someone whose credit or reputation had been shattered. If your reputation was broken, you could not borrow money, which eventually led to the state of being penniless.

By the 17th century, the term bankrupt was often described as being 'broken.' Eventually, the language simplified, and people just started saying they were 'broke' to mean their finances were in pieces. It is a fascinating example of how a physical action—breaking something—became a metaphor for the loss of economic power.

You will hear broke used mostly in casual conversation. It is perfect for talking to friends, family, or coworkers when you want to explain why you can't go out for dinner or buy a new gadget.

Common collocations include 'flat broke' or 'stone broke', which emphasize that you have absolutely nothing left. You might also hear people say 'I'm currently broke' to soften the blow.

Avoid using this word in very formal settings, like a job interview or a legal document. In those cases, it is better to use more professional terms like 'experiencing financial hardship' or 'insolvent'. Keep 'broke' for the times when you are being real and honest with people you trust.

1. Flat broke: Completely and utterly out of money. Example: 'After paying my rent, I am flat broke.'
2. Broke as a joke: A rhyming slang way to say you have no money. Example: 'I can't go to the movies; I'm broke as a joke.'
3. Broke the bank: To spend all your money on something. Example: 'That vacation almost broke the bank!'
4. Down and out: Having no money or prospects. Example: 'He was down and out until he found a new job.'
5. Living hand to mouth: Spending all your money on basic needs as soon as you get it. Example: 'They are living hand to mouth while saving for school.'

Broke is an adjective, so it does not have a plural form. You do not say 'brokes.' It is a simple, one-syllable word that is easy to pronounce.

In the US, it is pronounced /broʊk/ with a clear 'o' sound. In the UK, it is similar but often slightly shorter. It rhymes with spoke, choke, poke, woke, and joke.

Remember that it is an adjective that follows the verb 'to be.' You say 'I am broke' or 'they are broke.' You would not use 'a' or 'an' before it unless you are using it as part of a noun phrase, which is rare. It is a straightforward word that fits perfectly into simple sentence structures.