Meaning
Someone who is wealthy and relaxed.
Cultural Background
In traditional neighborhoods, being 'tuzu kuru' but not helping neighbors was a social sin. Salt was often shared between neighbors. The term is frequently used in media to describe the 'Nişantaşı' or 'Etiler' crowd who are perceived as disconnected from the economic reality of the rest of the country. Salt was a state monopoly at various times in Ottoman history. Having a secure supply of dry salt was a literal sign of being in the state's favor or having high status. A host with 'dry salt' is expected to set a better table. If they don't, the 'tuzu kuru' label becomes a way for the community to shame their stinginess.
Watch your tone
Saying 'Tuzun kuru' to someone can sound like an insult. Use it carefully if you don't want to start an argument.
The 'Tabii' Connection
This idiom is very often paired with the word 'tabii' (of course). 'Tuzun kuru tabii!' sounds very natural.
Meaning
Someone who is wealthy and relaxed.
Watch your tone
Saying 'Tuzun kuru' to someone can sound like an insult. Use it carefully if you don't want to start an argument.
The 'Tabii' Connection
This idiom is very often paired with the word 'tabii' (of course). 'Tuzun kuru tabii!' sounds very natural.
Social Media Gold
If you see a post of someone complaining about something trivial while on a yacht, 'Tuzu kuru' is the perfect comment.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'tuzu kuru'.
Senin _________ tabii, baban her ay para gönderiyor.
The sentence addresses 'sen' (you), so the possessive suffix must be '-un'.
Which situation best fits the idiom 'tuzu kuru'?
Hangi durum 'tuzu kuru' deyimi için uygundur?
Winning the lottery and quitting work creates a state of financial security and no worries.
Complete the dialogue.
Ayşe: 'Kiralar çok arttı, ne yapacağız?' Mehmet: 'Valla benim _________, kendi evimde oturuyorum.'
Mehmet is talking about himself ('benim'), so he uses 'tuzum kuru'.
Match the person to the description.
1. İşsiz ve borçlu biri / 2. Milyarder bir iş adamı
The billionaire is 'tuzu kuru', the unemployed person is not.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesSenin _________ tabii, baban her ay para gönderiyor.
The sentence addresses 'sen' (you), so the possessive suffix must be '-un'.
Hangi durum 'tuzu kuru' deyimi için uygundur?
Winning the lottery and quitting work creates a state of financial security and no worries.
Ayşe: 'Kiralar çok arttı, ne yapacağız?' Mehmet: 'Valla benim _________, kendi evimde oturuyorum.'
Mehmet is talking about himself ('benim'), so he uses 'tuzum kuru'.
1. İşsiz ve borçlu biri / 2. Milyarder bir iş adamı
The billionaire is 'tuzu kuru', the unemployed person is not.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, you can say 'Tuzu kuru şirketler' for companies with huge cash reserves that aren't affected by market crashes.
About 80% of the time it's used with a hint of envy or criticism, but it can be used neutrally to describe someone's lucky situation.
There isn't a direct 'salt' opposite, but you could say 'geçim sıkıntısı çekiyor' (suffering from livelihood difficulties).
No, that is not an idiom. You would just say 'Zordayım' or 'Sıkıntım var'.
Usually not directly, but you can say a child comes from a 'tuzu kuru' family.
Only in opinion columns or literature; avoid it in technical reports.
Keşke benim de tuzum kuru olsa.
No, 'salt of the earth' means a good, honest person. 'Tuzu kuru' is about wealth and indifference.
Yes, 'Tuzu kuru ülkeler' can refer to wealthy nations that don't care about global south problems.
Yes, it has been used for at least a couple of centuries in Turkish.
Related Phrases
paraya para dememek
similarTo be extremely wealthy.
keyfi yerinde
similarTo be in a good mood/comfortable.
ekmeği elinde, suyu gölde
synonymHaving everything provided for.
vurdumduymaz
builds onIndifferent/Insensitive.
