Literal Translation
Money doesn’t have a smell
Actual Meaning
It doesn’t matter where money’s come from, having it matters more
Etymology
Around 70 years after the start of our era, the new ruler needed to find a quick way to replenish the empire’s coffers, which had been completely emptied by his predecessor, Nero.
Vespasian had the idea of introducing a number of taxes. It was the chrysargyre that left a lasting impression. Affecting industry and commerce, this tax was also applied to the collection of urine. This substance was used daily by dyers to prepare fabrics before dyeing and to degrease wool.
This measure earned him a great deal of ridicule. According to some, Vespasian declared ‘pecunia non olet’, meaning ‘money has no smell’.
Another variation, also linked to this historical figure, refers to public toilets. The emperor is said to have installed pay-to-use public toilets throughout the empire in order to earn money. Criticised by his son for this unfair measure, the emperor is said to have replied that while the toilets may have been accompanied by foul odours, the money collected was not.
This expression is now used to say that no matter where the money comes from, even if it is ill-gotten, the main thing is to have it.
It is not known whether money laundering stems from this expression, but we can understand the appeal of wanting to launder dirty money in these circumstances.