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payroll
What does payroll mean?
The money paid to workers; slang 'on the payroll' means being paid, sometimes illicitly.
"Half the block is on his payroll."
Origin
From the literal payroll — the list and sum of wages paid.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'on the payroll' mean in slang?
It means someone is being paid by a person or operation — sometimes legitimately, sometimes to imply they've been bought off.
Where does 'payroll' come from?
From the literal payroll: the list and total of wages a business pays its workers.
How do you use 'payroll' as slang?
For example: 'Half the block is on his payroll' — meaning many people are in his pay.
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