red cent: difference between revisions
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===Etymology=== |
===Etymology=== |
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Probably from the color of the copper from which the coin was minted |
Probably from the color of the copper from which the coin was minted. Prior to 1909, a brighter nickel-based cent was used, often called the ''white cent''. It is also possible that the ''red'' originally referred to the obverse bearing an Indian head stamp. |
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===Noun=== |
===Noun=== |
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Revision as of 00:32, 13 June 2024
English
Etymology
Probably from the color of the copper from which the coin was minted. Prior to 1909, a brighter nickel-based cent was used, often called the white cent. It is also possible that the red originally referred to the obverse bearing an Indian head stamp.
Noun
- (US) A copper penny.
- (US, colloquial) A very small amount of money.
- I wouldn't pay one red cent for a ticket.
- 2011, Jann Arden, Falling Backwards: A Memoir, page 158:
- My dad said he wasn't going to pay the bastards ten red cents.
Usage notes
- Usually used in the negative.
Translations
a very small amount of money in the negative
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