threepenny bit: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Historical, Nostalgic, Informal (UK)
Quick answer
What does “threepenny bit” mean?
A small, twelve-sided British coin that was in circulation from 1937 to 1971, worth three old pence (¼ of a shilling, 1/80 of a pound).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, twelve-sided British coin that was in circulation from 1937 to 1971, worth three old pence (¼ of a shilling, 1/80 of a pound).
Refers to the coin itself, and by extension can signify a small amount of money or something of little value. Often used in nostalgic or historical contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Exclusively British (Commonwealth) usage. The coin never existed in the US monetary system.
Connotations
In the UK, it evokes nostalgia, post-war Britain, and pre-decimal currency (pre-1971). For Americans, it is a purely historical or cultural reference.
Frequency
Very rare in modern UK speech, except in historical discussion or idiomatic phrases. Virtually non-existent in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “threepenny bit” in a Sentence
He gave me {a threepenny bit}.It's not worth {a threepenny bit}.She found {an old threepenny bit} in the drawer.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “threepenny bit” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- It was a threepenny-bit-sized piece of metal.
- He had a threepenny-bit collection.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical or numismatic (coin-collecting) texts about British social or economic history.
Everyday
Rarely used, except by older generations recalling pre-decimal currency. Might appear in period dramas or novels.
Technical
Numismatics: a reference to the specific dodecagonal nickel-brass coin minted 1937-1971.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “threepenny bit”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “threepenny bit”
- Spelling: 'threepenny' (correct) vs. 'three penny' (incorrect as a noun).
- Confusing it with the modern decimal 3p coin, which is much smaller and round.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The early threepence coins (pre-1947) were silver. The iconic dodecagonal 'threepenny bit' (1937-1971) was made of nickel-brass.
It was officially demonetised on 31 August 1971, when the UK decimalised its currency.
The distinctive shape made it easy to identify by touch, especially for the visually impaired, and to distinguish it from other similarly sized coins.
Yes, though rarely. The phrase "not worth a threepenny bit" is still understood by many to mean "worthless."
A small, twelve-sided British coin that was in circulation from 1937 to 1971, worth three old pence (¼ of a shilling, 1/80 of a pound).
Threepenny bit is usually historical, nostalgic, informal (uk) in register.
Threepenny bit: in British English it is pronounced /ˌθrʌp.ni ˈbɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌθrʌp.ni ˈbɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “not worth a threepenny bit (worthless)”
- “turn up like a bad threepenny bit (to appear unwanted)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
THREE pennies shaped like a BIT of a polygon (12 sides) – Three-penny-bit.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SMALL AMOUNT / INSIGNIFICANT VALUE ("It's not worth a threepenny bit.")
Practice
Quiz
What was a 'threepenny bit'?