18 Dec Expensive, Defined

The definition of “expensive” is costly. It’s etymology is Late Latin expensa, “disbursement, outlay.”

However, perhaps the root of expensive is simply things people buy without (ex) thinking (pensive) about price.

Only without thinking about price, one easily buys an off-the-rack Kiton sports jacket ($9,995) at Neiman Marcus instead of an equally functional jacket at Men’s Warehouse for $100. That’s what the Emperor does if the emperor has no clothes.

Those who buy expensive jewelry are schmucks. Schmuck is the German word for jewelry.