walking-around money

Noun

walk-around money (uncountable)

1. (colloquial) Money for use on trivial items while walking around.
   • Twenty dollars between the three of us wasn't a lot, but it was walk-around money for grub and cigarettes.2012, James E. Jones, Money Thief, page 43

   Synonyms:

   petty cash

2. (US, colloquial, especially Baltimore) Money from a political campaign for use ensuring supporters bring voters to the polls, both for legitimate get out the vote efforts and political corruption.
   • Mr Davis: Would it be feasible to use the taxpayers['] money without any checking as you're talking about here for what is commonly known as walk-around money or street money? Because under the FEC, that is now legal...
   • Mr Lott: ... I guess since walk-around money is now considered legal, I guess th[e]y could use that. Some States do rely very heavily on walk-around money in their primaries and general elections as the record will show.1979, “Statement of Hon. Trent Lott...”, in Hearings before the Committee on House Administration ... on H.R. 1 and Related Legislation, page 264

   Synonyms:

   street money, precinct money