ninepence etymology

Etymology:

  • Old English: nigon penig
  • nigo: "nine"
  • penig: "penny"

Meaning:

  • A sum of nine pennies, which was a small amount of money in medieval England.
  • A term used to describe something insignificant or worthless.

Origin:

The term "ninepence" originated in the 13th century in England when pennies were the primary currency. A ninepence was a small sum, equivalent to about one-twentieth of a pound sterling. It was often used in transactions where fractional monetary amounts were needed, such as buying a loaf of bread or a pint of ale.

Over time, "ninepence" became a colloquialism to describe something of little value. This usage was popularized by the nursery rhyme "Sing a Song of Sixpence," which refers to buying a singing bird for "ninepence" and other seemingly insignificant items.

In modern English, "ninepence" is rarely used in its literal sense and is primarily employed as a metaphor to express the idea of something being of minimal importance or worth.

ninepence relate terms

  • nine

    Origin Old English nigon from Proto West Germanic newun from Proto Germanic newu

  • nines

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  • penny

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