J. D. Vance

We spend our way to the poorhouse. We buy giant TVs and iPads. Our children wear nice clothes thanks to high-interest credit cards and payday loans. We purchase homes we don't need, refinance them for more spending money, and declare bankruptcy, often leaving them full of garbage in our wake. Thrift is inimical to our being.

American Author

James A. Michener

I can't remember how old I was, maybe 13, 14, and to see these fellows and hear their stories and to see life come to such a drab ending - my God, a poorhouse in those days was something. You would have to be inert not to respond to it.

American Novelist

Robin Leach

There are few celebrities that I don't know personally. And compared to the rich, most of the famous live in the poorhouse. It's much better to be rich than famous.

English Writer

Henry Czerny

My dad thought I'd end up in the poorhouse or in doughnut shops with a bag full of reviews.

Canadian Actor

Poorhouses were common in the past, serving as homeless shelters with strict rules.

Historical Context

'Poorhouse' symbolizes the fear of poverty and the societal safety net's last resort.

Cultural Symbol

Being in a poorhouse was often seen as shameful due to societal attitudes towards poverty.

Social Stigma

'Poorhouse' is used metaphorically to express a dire financial state or future risk of poverty.

Metaphorical Use

The term implies severe poverty, not just temporary or slight financial difficulties.

Severity of Poverty

Often used in a colloquial context to warn against financial irresponsibility.