ka-ching
UK[kəˈtʃɪŋ]US[kəˈtʃɪŋ]
interj
An exclamation imitating the sound of a cash register or coins clinking together, used to express or comment on the idea of making money or a financial gain.
n
The sound of a cash register or of coins clinking together.
Etymology
The word 'ka-ching' is a modern English onomatopoeia, originating in the mid-20th century to mimic the distinctive two-part sound of an old-fashioned mechanical cash register: the 'ka' of the drawer opening and the 'ching' of the bell. It is a purely phonetic creation, not derived from any classical root. Its adoption into the lexicon reflects the cultural association of this specific sound with commercial transactions and profit. Consequently, it evolved from simply denoting a sound to functioning as an interjection symbolizing the moment of making money.
Analysis
This is an onomatopoeic formation, not composed of classical morphemes. It is a direct imitation of a sound.
Examples
He saw the final sales numbers and thought, "Ka-ching!"
The movie's success was accompanied by the satisfying ka-ching of box office receipts.
Every time a customer made a purchase, the old register went ka-ching.