tin cup: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, Figurative
Quick answer
What does “tin cup” mean?
A small, inexpensive drinking vessel made of tin or similar metal.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, inexpensive drinking vessel made of tin or similar metal.
1. A symbol of poverty, begging, or humble financial circumstances. 2. A small, open container used for collecting donations or money. 3. (Golf) A humorous term for the hole on a putting green.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The literal object is understood identically. The figurative usage ('pass the tin cup') is slightly more common in American English, particularly in political/political commentary contexts. The golfing slang is predominantly American.
Connotations
In both varieties, strong connotations of poverty, charity, and making a humble plea for funds. In AmE, can have a cynical political connotation (e.g., politicians 'rattling the tin cup' for donations).
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but when used, it's overwhelmingly in its figurative sense. The literal term 'tin mug' is more common in BrE for the actual object.
Grammar
How to Use “tin cup” in a Sentence
[Subject] passed/rattled the tin cup (for [Cause])a tin cup for [Purpose]the tin cup of [Abstract Noun, e.g., poverty]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tin cup” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The charity is effectively tin-cupping every year to keep the hospice open.
American English
- The mayor's been tin-cupping all over the state to fund his re-election campaign.
adjective
British English
- He had a tin-cup existence, always reliant on the generosity of others.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used metaphorically to describe a startup or division constantly seeking funding: 'The R&D team is back, rattling the tin cup for more venture capital.'
Academic
Rare. Might appear in historical or sociological texts describing poverty or charitable practices.
Everyday
Almost exclusively figurative: 'After the flood, the community centre passed the tin cup to help rebuild.'
Technical
Virtually non-existent, except in historical reenactment or specific craftsmanship contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tin cup”
- Using it literally for a modern metal cup (use 'metal cup' or 'mug').
- Confusing 'tin cup' with 'tin can'.
- Using it in formal writing without clear figurative intent.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Historically, yes—it was a cheap, thin metal. Today, the term is figurative, and similar items are usually made of aluminium, steel, or plastic.
They are near-synonyms. 'Begging bowl' has stronger religious/mendicant connotations (e.g., Buddhist monks), while 'tin cup' is more secular and associated with Western poverty or fundraising.
Rarely. It typically carries negative or pitiful connotations of desperation and lack. A positive spin might involve community spirit ('everyone put something in the tin cup'), but the underlying situation is still one of need.
It's the nickname of the protagonist, a talented but struggling golfer. The name reinforces his 'diamond in the rough' / underdog status, aligning with the term's humble, blue-collar connotations.
A small, inexpensive drinking vessel made of tin or similar metal.
Tin cup is usually informal, figurative in register.
Tin cup: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtɪn ˈkʌp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtɪn ˈkʌp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “pass the tin cup”
- “rattle the tin cup (for something)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a vintage **tin** can shaped like a **cup**. Its sound when dropped is a cheap 'clang', not a rich 'ring'—perfect for symbolising a lack of money.
Conceptual Metaphor
LACK OF WEALTH IS A CHEAP CONTAINER / SEEKING HELP IS EXTENDING A CONTAINER.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'tin cup' MOST likely used figuratively?