Agency Dictionary

Motherlode

noun

In Portuguese: Motherlode

Economics & Finance

What does “Motherlode” mean?

A principal geological vein of rich gold or silver ore, or metaphorically a massive source of sudden wealth and luck. In gaming culture, it famously represents the cheat command that awards instant money.

Etymology

A compound of mother (the principal source) and lode (a vein of metallic ore), probably a calque of Spanish veta madre (main vein). Lode comes from Old English lad (path, course, way), the same root as the second element of livelihood. The figurative sense of an exceptionally rich source of anything valuable extended from the geological term. The term spread in American English with the gold rushes of the 19th century.

Synonyms

jackpot
bonanza
treasure trove
gold mine

Word family

mother
lode
load

Rhymes with

road
code
mode
node

Usage examples

The catch though is that because it is a game, it is very easy for players to open the console, type the cheat code “motherlode" and instantly get 50.000 simoleons (the game currency).

Concept

Cheat CodeA cheat code is a sequence of characters, commands, or keystrokes entered into a video game to alter game mechanics, bypass rules, or unlock instant resources. While…

Source editions

Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.

Issue.17 - SportsmanshipJune 26, 2023Read the edition

Words of the same theme

Consumernoun: An individual or group that acquires, purchases, or consumes physical or commercial goods and services for personal use. In marketing, consumers are studied for purchasing patterns and brand preferences.
Bailoutnoun: An emergency provision of financial assistance to a failing company, bank, or economy to prevent insolvency.
brokeragenoun: The business, activity, or fee of a licensed broker who facilitates commercial transactions between buyers and sellers.
cinnamonnoun: An aromatic spice obtained from the stripped inner bark of several tree species of the genus Cinnamomum.
commoditynoun: A basic primary good, agricultural staple, or raw material that is interchangeable with other goods of the same type.
Corporativismnoun: The defence of the interests of a business class or professional group above the general interest, and the culture built around it. The word also names a political and economic system organized through corporations of employers, workers and professions.
Deficitnoun: The amount by which a sum of money falls short of the required or expected amount, particularly when spending exceeds revenue.
Deflationaryadjective: Tending to cause or associated with a general and persistent decline in price levels across an economy.
denariusnoun: A standard silver coin in ancient Roman currency that served as the principal denomination of daily commerce and military pay.
Emporoinoun: Ancient Greek merchants or maritime traders who carried goods between different city-states and overseas ports.
fiat currencynoun: Government-issued legal tender not backed by a physical commodity such as gold or silver.
Incentivenoun: A motivating factor, reward, or condition that incites or encourages an individual or business to take action.

Also from these editions: terms

Allegiancenoun: Loyalty, commitment, or devoted obligation felt by an individual toward a nation, cause, sovereign, or athletic club. It creates emotional cohesion and enduring solidarity across social communities.
Athletenoun: A person trained to compete in exercises, games, or sports requiring physical strength, speed, stamina, or agility. Athletes submit to rigorous discipline to achieve optimal somatic and tactical performance.
Consolenoun: A text-based command interface inside computer software where system operators and players enter manual code commands. In video games, opening the console allows users to modify internal variables and enter cheats.
Fallacynoun: A mistaken belief or a flaw in reasoning that renders an argument invalid, misleading, or logically unsound. While superficially plausible, fallacious logic fails under rigorous rational scrutiny.
Guiltnoun: A remorseful emotional feeling arising from the awareness or belief of having done something wrong or failed an obligation. In sports, athletes often feel acute guilt after making a costly mistake in competition.
Opponentnoun: A rival person or team competing against another in a contest, sport, game, or debate. In ethical sportsmanship, opponents challenge each other to elevate shared standards of mastery.
Refereenoun: An official presiding over a sporting match or game who enforces the rules, makes binding disciplinary decisions, and maintains fair play. The referee ensures player safety and preserves competitive order.
Simnoun: A virtual human character or simulated autonomous agent controlled by a player inside a life simulation game. A Sim possesses unique personality traits, biological needs, aspirations, and interpersonal relationships.
Simoleonnoun: An informal American slang term for a dollar, famously adopted as the fictional currency denomination within The Sims video game franchise. In simulation games, it is earned through jobs and spent on assets.
Trophynoun: A decorative commemorative object, such as a cup, plaque, or sculpture, awarded to a victor as a tangible symbol of athletic conquest. It marks supreme accomplishment at the conclusion of a tournament.
Whistlenoun: A small wind instrument that produces a loud, high-pitched acoustic sound when blown by an official. In sports, it serves as the authoritative auditory signal to halt play, resume action, or penalize fouls.