We have changed our privacy policy. In addition, we use cookies on our website for various purposes. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. You can learn about our practices by reading our privacy policy.


Usury

“Dude, I’m so sorry”
“USURY?!?! U SHULD B RLLY SURRRY!”

Not so far from the truth. Usury is lending money at a stupid-high interest rate, or potentially illegally-high interest rate. Usury was made famous by the one-and-only King Henry VIII (the 8th—yeah the super horrible one, go figure). Loaning money at a high interest rate usually puts the borrower in a pickle since they can’t pay the loan plus interest back. By having people always indebted to him, King Henry VIII had leverage over these people. Not cool, man.

PSA: Don’t be sorry. Don’t fall for usury.

Find other enlightening terms in Shmoop Finance Genius Bar(f)