pin money: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowDated, somewhat informal
Quick answer
What does “pin money” mean?
A small sum of money for minor personal expenses.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small sum of money for minor personal expenses.
A small, supplementary, and often irregular income, especially earned from a hobby, casual work, or a side activity, used for discretionary, non-essential spending.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is recognized and used in both varieties, though it is considered old-fashioned. British English may retain a slightly stronger historical association.
Connotations
In both varieties, it can have a slightly patronising or dismissive connotation if used to describe a woman's earnings, as it minimises their importance. When used self-referentially, it is often light-hearted.
Frequency
Rare in contemporary speech in both varieties, more likely found in literary, historical, or nostalgic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “pin money” in a Sentence
earn/make [pin money] (by doing something)[Pin money] is used for (something)supplement (one's income) with [pin money]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used; considered too informal and vague.
Academic
Only in historical or sociological texts discussing gender, economics, or domestic history.
Everyday
Used to casually refer to a small, non-essential income from a hobby or occasional job.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “pin money”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “pin money”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pin money”
- Using it to refer to a primary or significant source of income.
- Confusing it with 'pin number' (PIN = Personal Identification Number).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Historically, yes, it referred to a housewife's personal spending money. Today, it can be used for anyone's small extra income, though the historical association means it's sometimes used with a slightly dated or gender-specific tone.
'Pocket money' is a regular, often fixed, sum given to a child. 'Pin money' is typically earned by an adult, is more irregular, and emphasises the supplementary and small-scale nature of the income.
No, it is an informal, somewhat dated idiom. It would not be used in formal business, banking, or economic contexts.
No, 'pin money' functions only as a compound noun. There is no standard verb form.
A small sum of money for minor personal expenses.
Pin money: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpɪn ˌmʌni/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɪn ˌmʌni/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “money for old rope (UK, similar informal concept)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a single PIN (a small, sharp object) representing a tiny amount of money. You use PIN money for small 'pins and needles' purchases, not big ones.
Conceptual Metaphor
MONEY IS A TOOL FOR SMALL, PRECISE TASKS (like a pin is used for small, precise fastening).
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts is the term 'pin money' LEAST appropriate?