beer money

beer money (uncountable)

1. Some extra money not needed for essential payments, which is available for spending on luxuries, hobbies, or simply going out for a beer.

   September 1 2007, Working knowledge, by Hazel Davis, in The Guardian

   • Greenwood sees his part-time work as more than just beer money though. "It's also a year of groundwork," he says.

2. (Britain, historical) Money given to soldiers in the British army, in lieu of beer and spirits.