ten-spot: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2informal, slang
Quick answer
What does “ten-spot” mean?
a ten-dollar or ten-pound note.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
a ten-dollar or ten-pound note.
A sentence or prison term of ten years (slang, chiefly US).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, the term is rarely used for currency and might be understood as American slang. In the US, 'ten-spot' is a recognized informal term for a ten-dollar bill.
Connotations
The US usage is casual, sometimes associated with older or mid-20th century slang. The prison term sense is exclusively US.
Frequency
Uncommon in modern British English. Low-to-mid frequency in American English, mostly in specific contexts or older generations.
Grammar
How to Use “ten-spot” in a Sentence
[Verb] a ten-spot (lend, owe, borrow)[Have/Get] a ten-spotVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used in formal business contexts.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Used casually when discussing small amounts of cash.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ten-spot”
- Using it for a ten-pound note in the UK (use 'tenner' instead).
- Using it in formal writing.
- Assuming it means any group of ten items.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is very rare in modern British English. 'Tenner' is the standard informal term for a ten-pound note.
Yes, in American slang it can refer to a ten-year prison sentence.
No, it is informal/slang and should be avoided in formal contexts.
It originates from early 20th century American slang, where 'spot' was used to mean a bill of a certain denomination.
a ten-dollar or ten-pound note.
Ten-spot: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtɛn spɒt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtɛn spɑːt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “do a ten-spot (serve ten years in prison)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'spot' as a mark of value. A 'ten-spot' is the spot marked with the number ten.
Conceptual Metaphor
MONEY IS A MARK/SPOT (on a scale of value).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'ten-spot' LEAST likely to be used?