phrase
Wall Street
Shorthand for American finance โ its banks, traders, and excesses.
Origin
A short street in Lower Manhattan, named for the wooden palisade Dutch settlers built in the 17th century to defend New Amsterdam. The New York Stock Exchange opened there in 1817, and the address became metonymous with the U.S. financial industry. Oliver Stone's 1987 film fixed 'Greed is good' to it.
Modern usage
Always invoked politically โ as a target ('Wall Street vs. Main Street'), or as a status marker ('he made his money on Wall Street'). The street itself is now half tourist destination.
Tags
finance
industry