benjamin: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2/C1Informal/Technical (slang for money/drugs); Literary (biblical/family context).
Quick answer
What does “benjamin” mean?
1. The youngest and most cherished son of a family.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
1. The youngest and most cherished son of a family. 2. A unit of weight used for weighing drugs, equal to 100 U.S. dollars' worth of a drug (originally marijuana). 3. A type of shrub or tree (benjamin tree).
Informal slang for a one hundred dollar bill (U.S. currency), featuring a portrait of Benjamin Franklin.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The 'youngest son' sense is understood in both varieties but is rare and literary. The slang meaning for a $100 bill ('Benjamin Franklin') is exclusively American. The 'drug weight' sense is primarily American but understood in UK contexts via media. 'Benjamin tree' is a botanical term used internationally.
Connotations
In UK English, it is primarily a proper name (Benjamin). The slang uses have strong American connotations. The 'youngest son' sense carries biblical/literary overtones.
Frequency
Very low frequency in UK English outside of the name. Higher frequency in American English due to the currency slang, though still informal/slang.
Grammar
How to Use “benjamin” in a Sentence
He was the benjamin of the family.He paid with a crisp benjamin.They seized a benjamin of weed.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used in formal business contexts.
Academic
Rare; possible in literary or historical studies (biblical reference).
Everyday
Informal American English for money. Literary reference to a youngest son.
Technical
In botany for 'benjamin tree' (Ficus benjamina). In illicit drug trade for a weight unit.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “benjamin”
- Using 'benjamin' generically for any money (it's specifically $100).
- Using the slang in formal writing.
- Assuming it is a common noun in all Englishes.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare in the UK. It is strongly associated with American currency slang.
No, it is only used as a noun in its standard and slang senses.
It comes from the Bible. Benjamin was the youngest and favourite son of the patriarch Jacob and his wife Rachel.
No, the slang meanings are informal. The 'youngest son' meaning is literary/archaic and would be inappropriate in most modern formal contexts.
1. The youngest and most cherished son of a family.
Benjamin: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɛndʒəmɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɛndʒəmɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The benjamin of the family”
- “Make it rain benjamins”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of Benjamin Button (the movie character who aged backwards) as the 'youngest' in a unique way, or remember that Benjamin Franklin is on the $100 bill.
Conceptual Metaphor
MONEY IS A PERSON (via metonymy: the portrait stands for the note). THE YOUNGEST IS PRECIOUS (from the biblical Benjamin, whose father Jacob favoured him).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a standard meaning of 'benjamin'?