razoo
Rare (archaic outside of fixed idioms in specific regions)Informal, colloquial
Definition
Meaning
An informal term, primarily in Australian and New Zealand English, meaning a negligible amount of money, especially in negative constructions (e.g., 'not a brass razoo'). It can also be used more generally to indicate nothing at all.
Beyond literal financial contexts, 'razoo' can refer to a worthless or nonexistent thing, idea, or possibility. It functions idiomatically to emphasize complete lack or absence.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word is almost exclusively used in fixed negative phrases, most famously 'not a brass razoo' or 'not a single razoo'. Its stand-alone use is rare and context-dependent. It has a historical, slightly humorous flavor.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
This word is not standard in either British or American English. It is a distinctly Australasian regionalism. British and American speakers would likely not understand it without context.
Connotations
In its native regions, it connotes a folksy, old-fashioned, or humorous way of saying 'nothing'. Elsewhere, it is simply unknown.
Frequency
Negligible in both British and American usage. Its use is concentrated in Australian and New Zealand English, though even there it is somewhat dated.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Verb] + not + a (brass/single) razoo[Pronoun] + hasn't/haven't + got + a razooVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “not a brass razoo”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used informally to describe a complete lack of profit, funding, or assets.
Academic
Virtually never used.
Everyday
Used in casual speech in Australia/NZ to express having no money.
Technical
Not applicable.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- After paying the rent, I haven't got a razoo left.
- He searched his pockets but found not a single razoo.
- The dodgy investment scheme left them without a brass razoo.
- You won't get a razoo out of me for that ridiculous idea.
- Despite the grandiose promises, the venture capital firm didn't invest a brass razoo in the startup.
- The old miner died without a razoo to his name, his gold claim having yielded nothing.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'raccoon' (raccoon -> racoo -> razoo) with empty hands, holding not a single coin.
Conceptual Metaphor
MONEY IS A (SPECIFIC) OBJECT (a razoo). LACK OF MONEY IS LACK OF THIS OBJECT.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'разу' (razu - once/twice).
- It has no relation to 'раз' (time/instance).
- It is not a real currency, but a fictitious coin.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in positive constructions (e.g., 'I have a razoo').
- Using it outside of Australasian contexts without explanation.
- Spelling it as 'razzo' or 'rasoo'.
Practice
Quiz
In which regional variety of English is 'razoo' primarily used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'razoo' is a fictitious coin, used idiomatically to mean a very small or nonexistent amount of money.
No, it is strictly informal and colloquial. Its use is limited to casual speech or writing, primarily in Australian and New Zealand contexts.
The etymology is uncertain. 'Brass' implies something cheap or worthless. The phrase 'not a brass razoo' likely emerged in early 20th century Australia as a colorful way to say 'not a penny'.
No, it is not part of American English vocabulary. An American listener would require explanation.