trickle down

T

trickle down (verb, idiom)
/ˈtrɪkəl daʊn/

Meaning

1. Describes wealth or benefits moving from the rich to the poor over time.
2. Refers to something gradually passing from higher to lower levels.
3. Means a slow spread or flow through a system.
4. Points to trends moving from elites to the general public.
5. Indicates delayed effects reaching lower levels from the top.

Example Sentences

1. The government hoped tax cuts for corporations would trickle down to benefit all workers.
2. Economic growth didn’t trickle down to rural communities as expected.
3. The luxury fashion trend eventually began to trickle down to high-street stores.
4. Bonuses at the top rarely trickle down to entry-level employees.
5. The new technology slowly trickled down to schools and non-profits.
6. Political decisions made at the capital often trickle down to influence local policies.

Origin and History

Early Conceptual Foundations

The idea that benefits or trends from the upper echelons of society eventually reach the lower strata predates the term “trickle down.” In the realm of fashion, German jurist Rudolf von Jhering, in his 1883 work Der Zweck im Recht, discussed how cultural elements, particularly fashion, diffuse from the upper classes to the lower ones. This concept was further elaborated by sociologist Thorstein Veblen in his 1899 book The Theory of the Leisure Class, introducing the idea of “conspicuous consumption,” where lower classes emulate the consumption patterns of the wealthy.

Political Metaphors and Early Usage

In the political arena, the metaphor of wealth “leaking” or “trickling” from the rich to the poor was evident in U.S. Democratic presidential candidate William Jennings Bryan’s 1896 speech. He criticized the notion that prosperity for the wealthy would naturally benefit the broader population. However, the specific phrase “trickle down” was not used at this time.

Coinage by Will Rogers

The term “trickle down” is widely attributed to American humorist Will Rogers. In a 1932 column, he satirically commented on President Herbert Hoover’s economic policies during the Great Depression, stating:

“The money was all appropriated for the top in the hopes that it would trickle down to the needy.”

Rogers’ usage was critical, highlighting the inefficacy of policies that favored the wealthy under the assumption that benefits would eventually reach the poor.

Formalization in Economic Discourse

The term “trickle-down theory” began appearing in economic discussions in the mid-20th century. Merriam-Webster notes the first known use of “trickle-down” as an adjective in 1944 and “trickle-down theory” in 1954. The concept gained prominence during the Reagan administration in the 1980s, where it was associated with supply-side economics. Critics used “trickle-down economics” to describe policies that provided tax cuts to the wealthy, arguing that these benefits would eventually “trickle down” to the rest of the economy.

Alternative Terminologies and Critiques

Before “trickle-down” became prevalent, similar ideas were described using different metaphors. Economist John Kenneth Galbraith referred to the “horse-and-sparrow theory,” suggesting that if you feed the horse enough oats, some will pass through to feed the sparrows. This analogy criticized the assumption that benefits given to the wealthy would naturally benefit the poor.

Geographic and Cultural Origins

The term “trickle down” and its associated theories originated in the United States. Its usage was closely tied to American political and economic discourse, particularly during periods of economic hardship and policy debates about wealth distribution.

Earliest Printed Record

The earliest known printed use of “trickle down” in the context of economic policy is attributed to Will Rogers’ 1932 column, where he critiqued the Hoover administration’s approach to the Great Depression.

Contemporary Usage and Legacy

Today, “trickle down” is commonly used to critique economic policies perceived to favor the wealthy under the premise that their prosperity will benefit the broader population. The term has also been applied in other contexts, such as fashion and marketing, to describe how trends or innovations introduced by elites eventually reach the general public.

In summary, the term “trickle down” has its roots in early critiques of wealth distribution policies in the United States. Coined by Will Rogers in the 1930s, it has since evolved to encapsulate various theories and critiques in economics, politics, and culture.

Synonyms

1. cascade
2. filter down
3. drip down
4. flow down

About the Author

Elena Jones holds a PhD in Education from Harvard University. She has extensive experience teaching at both the K–12 and university levels, with a particular focus on English as a Second Language. Elena has dedicated her career to advancing educational practices, and she has contributed to numerous educational journals.

Down, Wealth