wealthfare

English

Etymology

Blend of wealth +‎ welfare or wealth +‎ fare. First use appears c. 1923. See cite below.

Noun

wealthfare

1. Welfare or other financial aid or assistance that benefits the rich or upper class.
   • 1923, Duncan Warrand, Evan Macleod Barron, Culloden Papers, More Culloden Papers · Volume 2, page 330:

     I delivered your letter to Sir R. W. who directed me to give you his humble service & thanks for it, & to assure you that no friend you have is more concerned for your wealthfare, or more sincerely desires your health which he thinks of the most utmost importance both to himself & the publick

   • 1976, Jonathan H. Turner, American Society, Problems of Structure, page 143:

     In these ways, the rich shelter and protect their income and avoid paying taxes. Allowing the rich to do this is but another form of wealthfare.

   • 1998, Robert Cogan, Critical Thinking, Step by Step, page 241:

     Wealthfare for the rich costs about 3.5 times as much as welfare for the poor, which is now being cut. Three years of wealthfare costs more than it costs to run the entire federal government for a year.