Bank of Mom and Dad

/bæŋk əv mɑːm ænd dæd/ noun phrase

Definition: A metaphorical financial institution representing the ongoing monetary support provided by parents to their adult children, typically extending well beyond graduation or entry into the workforce. Still on the family pay roll – even after college.

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Etymology

A colloquialism that treats parental wealth as a lending or grant-giving entity. It rose to prominence in the early 21st century to describe the economic reality of rising housing costs and student debt.

Usage

Context: Used to describe adult children who remain “on the family payroll” for rent, down payments, or daily expenses. It often carries a connotation of either safety-net security or prolonged financial dependence.

In a sentence: He managed to buy that condo in the city, but only with a significant withdrawal from the bank of mom and dad.