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Where did the term red cent come from?
The cent has long been the lowest denomination of American coin, and “red” refers to the fact that it used to be made out of copper. The expression dates from the early nineteenth century. J. S. Jones used it in People’s Lawyer (1839): “It would not have cost you a red cent.”
What does the term red cent refer to?
Use red cent to mean an amount of money so small that it’s basically worthless. A waiter might complain that her tips are so bad that she didn’t earn a single red cent. The red cent is symbolic, representing an a tiny amount of money. The original U.S. copper penny was reddish and was also called a red cent.
What does the phrase not one red cent mean?
no money
Definition of not one red cent informal. : no money at all I would not pay one red cent for that car.
What’s the meaning of don’t take any wooden nickels?
In the United States, a wooden nickel is a wooden token coin, usually issued by a merchant or bank as a promotion, sometimes redeemable for a specific item such as a drink. An American adage, “Don’t take any wooden nickels”, is considered a lighthearted reminder to be cautious in one’s dealings.
What does not worth a plug nickel mean?
worthless
The saying “It’s not worth a plug nickel” probably comes from the once-common practice of extracting some metal from a coin to be used for other purposes. Coins tampered with in this manner were no longer legal tender and therefore became worthless.
What does asking for nickels on the Dime mean?
The expression means paying or receiving less than full value…similar to “pennies on the dollar” Essentially “nickels on the dime” means “why not ask for half”!
What does plum nickel mean?
Filters. (chiefly US, colloquial) A nearly worthless amount. noun. 1.
Where was the Plugged Nickel?
Chicago
Chicago always has been a haven for jazz and blues, but on Dec. 22, 1965, at a small nightclub on the North Side called the Plugged Nickel, it was about to become one of the seminal focal points for post-be-bop, contemporary jazz. Miles Davis had come to town to make a live recording.
What does the phrase pennies on the dollar mean?
pennies on the web. IDIOM. Pennies on the dollar. (USA) If something is pennies on the dollar, it’s much cheaper than it cost originally.