get-rich-quick
UK[ˌɡet rɪtʃ ˈkwɪk]US[ˌɡet rɪtʃ ˈkwɪk]
adj
Describing a scheme, plan, or method that promises to make a lot of money quickly and with little effort, often in a dishonest or risky way.
Morpheme Breakdown
get
rich
quick
get
verb
rich
adjective
quick
adjective
Etymology
The compound adjective "get-rich-quick" is a modern American English formation from the early 20th century, directly built from three fundamental Germanic words. Its logic is transparent and literal, stringing together the imperative goal ("get"), the desired condition ("rich"), and the demanded timeframe ("quick"). This phrase crystallizes a perennial human aspiration but is almost exclusively used pejoratively today to label dubious financial ventures. It reflects a cultural critique of speculative greed, where the very simplicity of the phrase underscores the perceived unrealistic and often deceptive nature of the promise.
Analysis
Structure: get (verb) + rich (adjective) + quick (adjective)
- get: From Old English gietan (to obtain, reach). Functional role: The verbal element meaning "to acquire or become."
- rich: From Old English rīċe (powerful, wealthy). Functional role: The adjectival element describing the desired state of wealth.
- quick: From Old English cwic (alive, living, rapid). Functional role: The adjectival element modifying the manner, meaning "with speed."
Examples
He was lured into a get-rich-quick scheme that cost him his life savings.
The book warns against the dangers of get-rich-quick mentality in investing.
They were searching for a legitimate business opportunity, not a get-rich-quick scam.