thrippence: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare (Historical/Obsolescent)Archaic, Historical, Colloquial (UK)
Quick answer
What does “thrippence” mean?
A British coin worth three old pence (pre-decimal currency).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A British coin worth three old pence (pre-decimal currency).
A small, almost negligible amount of money; a trivial sum.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is exclusively British. American English has no equivalent term for this coin, as it never existed in the US monetary system.
Connotations
In modern British usage, it evokes nostalgia, historical specificity, or is used metaphorically for something of little value. In American English, it would be recognized only as a historical foreign term.
Frequency
Obsolete in practical finance; occasionally found in historical fiction, reminiscences, or proverbial expressions.
Grammar
How to Use “thrippence” in a Sentence
worth (a) thrippencecost (a) thrippencenot care/give a thrippenceVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “thrippence” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- a thrippence stamp (historical)
- a thrippence ride on the tram
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used only in historical financial contexts or discussions of inflation.
Academic
Appears in historical texts, economic history, or social history of Britain.
Everyday
Rare. Used by older generations metaphorically, e.g., 'It's not worth a thrippence.'
Technical
Numismatics (coin collecting).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “thrippence”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “thrippence”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “thrippence”
- Spelling: 'threepence' is also correct, but 'thrippence' is a common historical variant. Mispronouncing as /θraɪpəns/. Using it to refer to modern 3 pence coins.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The coin was demonetized after the UK's decimalisation in 1971.
They refer to the same coin. 'Thrippence' is a common historical pronunciation and spelling variant of 'threepence'.
It would not be understood in a literal financial sense. It might be used stylistically in writing to evoke a British historical setting.
Yes. It was a small silver (later nickel-brass) coin, often called a 'threepenny bit'. It was distinctive for its 12-sided shape in its final design.
A British coin worth three old pence (pre-decimal currency).
Thrippence is usually archaic, historical, colloquial (uk) in register.
Thrippence: in British English it is pronounced /ˈθrɪp(ə)ns/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈθrɪpəns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “not worth a thrippence”
- “not care a thrippence”
- “a thrippence for your thoughts (play on 'penny')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: THR-IPPENCE = THREE PENCE combined. It has a 'rip' in the middle, suggesting it's not worth much (ripped/cheap).
Conceptual Metaphor
WORTHLESSNESS IS A MINUTE MONETARY UNIT.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes the primary modern use of 'thrippence'?