Difference between "broke" and "flat broke"?

[utsavviradiya]

When I searched synonyms for hard up: I got several results, and these two were among them.

I have no clue whether both mean the same or there's a subtle difference between them.

I really appreciate any help you can provide.

 

[SoothingDave]

I see no difference in meaning.

 

[Barque]

"Flat broke" means "completely broke".

Some people might say "flat" is redundant because "broke" means having no money. But "broke", practically speaking, is often used to mean "not enough money to live on", or "having hardly any money". "Flat broke" would mean no money at all, or next to nothing.

 

[jutfrank]

The 'flat' modifier emphasises the brokeness.

 

[utsavviradiya]

The 'flat' modifier emphasises the brokeness.

Is it also the same case with "stone broke"?

 

[Barque]

Yes. Also "dead broke".

 

[5jj]

Is it also the same case with "stone broke"?

It's 'stony broke' for me.

 

[5jj]

Yes. Also "dead broke".

Unlike 'flat broke' and 'stony broke', that is not an idiom. 'Dead' is commonly used informally with many adjectives to mean 'extremely'.

 

[Rover_KE]

Yes. Also "dead broke".

‘Stone broke’ and ‘dead broke’ aren’t colloquial in British English, Barque.

 

[Barque]

I see. I think I've heard both, so perhaps they're American? Not really sure now, and I could well be wrong.

 

[probus]

I think stone (or stony) broke is BrE. Flat is sometimes used in AmE to mean totally or extremely, not only with broke but also with other adjectives. In my region we often add "out". For example: anybody who thinks that strategy will work is flat out wrong.

 

[Tdol]

It's 'stony broke' for me.

Same here, so it might be a British English form.

 

[emsr2d2]

"Stony broke" but "stone dead", "stone deaf" and "stone cold". Don't you love language?!