ENGLISH
REFERENCE

chump change

idiom
Meaning

An amount of remuneration, reward, or other monetary recompense considered to be insultingly small.


Origin

disputed origin

From the idea that only chumps would fall for it. The neutral sense is an extension from the sense concerning indignation.

Examples
SIMPLE

For him, a hundred dollars is just chump change.

CONTEXTUAL

She complained that the bonus was chump change compared to the overtime she had worked.

COMPLEX

The settlement they offered was chump change, a mere fraction of what the case was truly worth.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    and change

    And some quantity, but less than the increment to the next round number.

  2. 02

    change collars

    To change or shift one's career path.

  3. 03

    change hands

    To become the property of someone else; to be bought or sold.

  4. 04

    change horses in midstream

    To change one's plan or approach when an effort is already underway or at another inopportune time.

  5. 05

    change of clothes

    A set of clothes in addition to those already worn.

  6. 06

    change of heart

    A change of one's opinion, belief or decision.

  7. 07

    change of life

    Menopause.

  8. 08

    change of pace

    A shift from one activity to another

Last updated April 17, 2026