brass farthing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, somewhat dated/idiomatic
Quick answer
What does “brass farthing” mean?
An extremely small, negligible amount of money.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An extremely small, negligible amount of money; something of minimal value.
Used figuratively to express complete lack of worth or consideration, often in negative constructions to emphasize refusal or worthlessness.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily British due to the historical reference to the British farthing coin. American usage is rare and likely understood only in literary or historical contexts.
Connotations
UK: Evokes historical British currency, often used by older generations or in writing for rhetorical effect. US: Sounds archaic and British; may be used for deliberate historical or humorous effect.
Frequency
Very low frequency in modern English. Higher recognition in the UK than the US, but declining in both.
Grammar
How to Use “brass farthing” in a Sentence
[Subject] + not be worth a brass farthing.[Subject] + wouldn't/doesn't give a brass farthing for [object].[Subject] + not care a brass farthing about [object].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in informal critique: 'That acquisition plan isn't worth a brass farthing.'
Academic
Rare, except in historical or linguistic papers discussing idioms.
Everyday
Informal, expressive: 'His opinion on gardening isn't worth a brass farthing.'
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “brass farthing”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “brass farthing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “brass farthing”
- Using 'brass penny' (incorrect coin).
- Using in positive contexts: *'I'd buy it for a brass farthing.' (Unidiomatic).
- Confusing with 'brass neck' (cheek/nerve).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A farthing was a real British coin, but it was made of copper or bronze, not brass. 'Brass' is used in the idiom to further emphasize cheapness and lack of value.
It is generally too informal and idiomatic for most formal writing. It might be used for rhetorical effect in certain contexts (e.g., journalism, historical narrative).
'Brass farthing' is primarily British and references an obsolete coin. 'Red cent' is American and references a copper penny. Both mean 'a very small amount of money' and are used in negative idioms.
No, it is considered somewhat dated. It is more likely to be encountered in older literature, period dramas, or used by older speakers for expressive emphasis.
An extremely small, negligible amount of money.
Brass farthing: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbrɑːs ˈfɑːðɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbræs ˈfɑrðɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “not worth a brass farthing”
- “wouldn't give a brass farthing for it”
- “not care a brass farthing”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
BRASS (cheap metal) + FARTHING (old, worthless coin) = something completely worthless.
Conceptual Metaphor
WORTH IS METAL/VALUE OF COIN (The value of an object is conceptualized through the material and denomination of currency).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'brass farthing' used CORRECTLY?