Dirt-poor
Although I did not know it, our family was close to dirt-poor during my early childhood. In addition to our share of my grandparents’ farm, Dad bought surrounding farmland.
Dirt-poor means extremely poor.
Since we had the basics for survival, we were not extremely poor. However, we had little cash and few luxuries.
Yet, who needed luxuries? The farm provided:
- Woods and fields to explore
- A large yard for play
- Animals, a garden, and an orchard for food and milk
We also enjoyed lots of books (We were book poor too!), games, and family time.
Our financial resources grew over the years, but I would take nothing for those early lean years.
Rather than dirt poor, many families today are house poor.
They may not have much land, but they buy large houses with large mortgages to match. Like our young family, that leaves them little extra money.
Evidence fails to support a popular internet story that dirt poor relates to dirt floors.
Although it makes an interesting story, it offers no proof.
Financial wealth holds no eternal importance.
If all we do is hoard our money, it does no good. Remember, you can’t take it with you when you die.
Whether poor as a church mouse or filthy rich, let’s use the resources we have to make our world a better place.
“Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed” (Psalm 82:3 NIV).
Thanks to Gail Gosser for the suggestion.
Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.
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8 thoughts on “Dirt-poor”
I’m so glad you clarified this here, Diana, as I had that misconception that this did refer to dirt floors.
Have a great week!
Thank you, Martha. The dirt floor idea makes sense and has been repeated often. I learned quite a bit writing about this expression. Blessings on your week!
I wonder whether some English expressions (i.e. from the UK) translate the same in the USA or other English speaking countries. For example – don’t fly off the handle, or, keep your hair on!
God bless.
Great question, Victor. My experience is that they are often the same or similar but not always. Keep your hair on is a new one to me. Thanks for sharing. You can find don’t fly off the handle at https://dianaderringer.com/fly-off-the-handle/. Blessings.
Victor, you can find the following on my welcome page:
Expressions can have more than one meaning.
Meanings vary based on such things as:
Family background
Where a person lives
Use among friends
Posts reflect my understanding based on my experience.
I remember being poor when I was younger Ms. Diana, and I look around me today and realize how very blessed I am. I also recognize how blessed we are as a nation ma’am. Yet, I am saddened to see how many today are “poor in Spirit.” Praying God breathe new life into our nation and its people ma’am. God’s blessings.
J.D., we are so blessed as individuals and as a nation. However, we must remember that only when we use our resources for God’s glory are we truly rich. Thank you for sharing with us.