So we get the CHINK we will bear with the stink

Insights

The Ends Justify the Means

The proverb is a cynical maxim suggesting that a profitable outcome justifies enduring an unpleasant, immoral, or difficult process. The 'stink' represents any negative aspect of a venture that is tolerated for the sake of financial 'chink'.

Moral Compromise for Profit

It illustrates a willingness to make moral compromises or overlook ethical failings in the pursuit of wealth. The desire for money desensitizes individuals to the 'stink' of corruption or dishonorable actions.

The Corrupting Power of Greed

The proverb serves as a commentary on greed, highlighting how the intense desire for financial gain can make people tolerate conditions—whether physical squalor or social disgrace—that they would otherwise find repulsive.

Historical Pragmatism

The proverb's emergence in the late 16th century coincides with the rise of mercantilism, reflecting a pragmatic, if cynical, acceptance that wealth generation often involves unpleasant or morally ambiguous activities. The 'stink' can be read literally, as the smell of certain trades, or metaphorically, as the moral taint of profit-seeking.

Psychology of Motivation

This proverb captures a core principle of behavioral psychology: the power of a strong incentive (money) to override aversion to negative stimuli (discomfort or immorality). It suggests a cynical view of human nature, where material gain frequently outweighs ethical or aesthetic objections.

Cultural Resonance

The proverb’s sentiment is a recurring theme in proverbial wisdom, as seen in parallels like 'Muck and money go together' and 'Money is welcome though it come in a dirty clout'. This demonstrates a long-standing cultural recognition of the often unsavory connection between labor and profit.

Rhetorical Devices

Rhyme

The perfect rhyme of 'chink' and 'stink' makes the proverb catchy, memorable, and impactful, creating a strong phonetic link between the reward and its unpleasant cost.

Metonymy and Onomatopoeia

The proverb uses 'chink'—the onomatopoeic sound of coins clinking together—as a metonym for money, creating a vivid, tangible representation of wealth.

Antithesis

A sharp antithesis is drawn between the desirable 'chink' (wealth) and the repulsive 'stink' (unpleasantness), effectively framing the core conflict and the pragmatic choice being made.