Phyllis Diller: Scenic Checks Ghetto

Posted by admin on Sunday, December 7, 2014

Phyllis Diller Money Quotation saying if images on our printed checks showed the status of our bank account, it might show ugly views. Phyllis Diller said:
 

 

“There’s so little money in my bank account, my scenic checks show a ghetto” — Phyllis Diller

 

 

In this quote, Phyllis Diller is using humor to joke about being broke. “Scenic checks” refers to the drawings or images printed on checks. She means that due to how little money she has in her bank account, the drawings on her checks depict run-down urban neighborhoods rather than pleasant landscapes or scenery.

In other words, if her bank balance were higher, perhaps the images would show nice parks or beaches. But with so little funds, all she can picture is an impoverished “ghetto.”

So in essence, Diller is comically exaggerating her financial situation by saying even her checks portray poverty rather than wealth. The quote plays on expectations about what bank checks typically feature in a lighthearted way.