Derivative of "a king's ransom".
A
zoomer's ransom is an amount of money which surpasses the normal value of an object due to the perceived value by a
zoomer.
The correct value is unknown to a
zoomer due to not having an accurate historical context because of their age. A Millennial might knows that the "Duck Hunt Super
Mario" for NES is worthless due to experience (seeing several copies in pawn shops for a penny circa 2003 for example) a Zoomer thinks this item is valuable and is willing to pay a Zoomer's ransom for it (for example $50). Their perception is created by Retro Gaming YouTubers and other con artists (also known as reseller scum).
"I could get a
zoomer's ransom for that damaged copy of Majora's Mask"
"Oh no, AVGN just did another video about the Dreamcast. It's going to cost a
Zoomer's ransom for one now!"
"I paid a zoomers ransom for this copy of Contra on
NES. This shouldn't have be more than $10!"