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by Liz Walter
Today’s post and my next one look at words and phrases for talking about how much things cost – a common topic of conversation! This first one looks at words for things with high prices.
The most basic word for things that cost a lot is expensive. Costly is a slightly formal synonym, while pricey (sometimes spelled pricy) is slightly informal. The even more informal spendy is also becoming common:
I love these clothes, but they’re so expensive!
Repairs to damaged furniture can be very costly.
Bad weather means that fruit and vegetables are pricier this year.
He bought a new lock to keep his spendy bicycle safe.
If something is so expensive that it is impossible to afford, we might say that it is unaffordable or out of reach:
In those days, flying was unaffordable to most people.
The cost of these cameras puts them out of reach for most amateurs.
Something that is extremely expensive costs a fortune or (UK) costs the earth – both slightly informal phrases. We also say, slightly humorously, that something costs an arm and a leg or costs a pretty penny:
The hotel is fabulous, but it costs a fortune to stay there.
I’m looking for a decent laptop that doesn’t cost the earth.
Tickets for her show cost an arm and a leg!
That car must have cost a pretty penny.
There are several words that are commonly used to describe very high-quality items which are designed mainly for rich people. These include high-end, top-end, top-of-the-range (UK)/-line (US), exclusive and (super-)deluxe. Places that sell such items are often described as upscale (US) / upmarket (UK):
He has a fondness for high-end watches.
She insists on driving a top-of-the-range Mercedes.
They live in an exclusive area of Manchester.
We booked a deluxe cabin for the cruise.
They ate at an upscale restaurant in Miami.
If you describe a price as extortionate or exorbitant, you mean that it is extremely and usually unreasonably expensive. More informally, we might describe such prices as steep:
The rent on this apartment is extortionate.
They charge exorbitant prices for their services.
I think $230 is a bit steep for a jacket like this.
Let me know if you can think of any other words or phrases for things that are expensive, and look out for my next post, which will be about the opposite: things that don’t cost much.
It is interesting to know so many forms to talk about prices.
Can we use the word “rocketing” speaking about high prices? Is it common in use?
Yes, that’s a great one. If we say prices are rocketing, we mean they are going up very fast.
When you say that sth is “beyond your purse” it doesn´t mean it´s expensive but it´s unaffordable to you, isn´t it ?
Yes, that’s right. This isn’t really a common phrase but people would understand your meaning.
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I’m thinking about this collocation: worth a fortune. For example: In Spain, some of the real estate is worth an absolute fortune.
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What about “pay through the nose” and “overpriced”?.
Yes, both good additions! Apparently ‘pay through the nose’ comes from a tax imposed on the Irish by conquering Danes – if they didn’t pay, they had their noses cut open!
I’d also add luxury (expensive and providing great comfort), luxurious (very comfortable and expensive), executive (expensive and of a high quality), fancy (expensive), & (ultra-)posh (very expensive and of high quality, or relating to or suitable for people of a high social class).