掏钱 is a separable verb-object compound (离合词) meaning to pay money out of one's own pocket, often implying a reluctant or spontaneous outlay. It literally means 'pull out money'. The verb 掏 (to pull out) and the object 钱 (money) can split when a measure word, duration, or complement goes between them — for example, 掏了三百块钱 ('pulled out three hundred yuan'), 掏过两次钱 ('paid twice'). It's used conversationally, not in formal financial contexts. Unlike 付款 (formal payment), 掏钱 emphasizes the physical or personal act of paying.