tinker's cuss: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Very Low FrequencyInformal, Archaic (primarily historical usage)
Quick answer
What does “tinker's cuss” mean?
A very small or worthless amount.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A very small or worthless amount; not the slightest bit.
An expression of extreme indifference, emphasizing a complete lack of concern or value.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The phrase is originally British/Irish. In American English, the variant "tinker's damn" is more frequently encountered, though both are now rare. The concept is understood, but the specific phrase is not in active use.
Connotations
In its country of origin, it carries stronger historical/cultural resonance, evoking images of 19th-century rural or itinerant life. In American usage, it may sound like a quaint or intentionally archaic borrowing.
Frequency
Extremely low in contemporary speech in both varieties, encountered mainly in historical texts, dialect writing, or as a deliberate archaism. More likely found in the UK/Ireland than the US in modern times.
Grammar
How to Use “tinker's cuss” in a Sentence
[Subject] + not give/care + a tinker's cuss + about/for [object][It/That] + is not worth + a tinker's cussVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tinker's cuss” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He doesn't tinker's cuss about the rules.
- They wouldn't tinker's cuss if the whole project failed.
American English
- She doesn't tinker's cuss for political correctness.
- I wouldn't tinker's cuss about his opinion.
adverb
British English
- He cared tinker's-cuss little for his reputation.
- She tried tinker's-cuss hard to seem interested.
American English
- It mattered tinker's-cuss much to the outcome.
- He was tinker's-cuss concerned with the details.
adjective
British English
- It was a tinker's-cuss attitude that got him fired.
- He showed tinker's-cuss respect for authority.
American English
- That's a tinker's-cuss way to run a business.
- Her tinker's-cuss response surprised everyone.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Highly unlikely. Would be seen as unprofessional and archaic.
Academic
Only in historical or linguistic studies discussing colloquial language.
Everyday
Virtually obsolete. Might be used by an older speaker or for humorous/ironic effect.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tinker's cuss”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “tinker's cuss”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tinker's cuss”
- Using it in a positive sense (e.g., *'I give a tinker's cuss'). It's only used negatively.
- Using it in formal writing.
- Confusing it with "tinker's damn" and using them interchangeably in very precise historical contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A tinker was a travelling mender of metal household utensils like pots and pans, common in Britain and Ireland from the Middle Ages into the 20th century. They were often viewed as being of low social status.
It is not generally considered offensive today, as 'cuss' is a mild euphemism. However, it is informal and archaic. The variant 'tinker's damn' is slightly stronger but also dated.
You can, but it will sound very old-fashioned or deliberately colourful. It is not part of active, contemporary vocabulary. Most modern speakers would say "I don't give a damn/hoot" or "I don't care at all".
They are synonymous idioms. 'Cuss' is a dialectal variant of 'curse', used here as a euphemism for 'damn'. 'Tinker's damn' is the older and more widespread original form, while 'tinker's cuss' is a softened version. Usage depends on region and personal preference for mild language.
A very small or worthless amount.
Tinker's cuss is usually informal, archaic (primarily historical usage) in register.
Tinker's cuss: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtɪŋkəz ˈkʌs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtɪŋkɚz ˈkʌs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “not give a tinker's cuss”
- “not worth a tinker's cuss”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a TINKER (a poor, travelling repairman). He has so little that even his CUSS (curse/swear) is of no value. So, if you don't give 'a tinker's cuss', you consider something utterly worthless.
Conceptual Metaphor
WORTH IS MONETARY VALUE / SOCIAL STANDING (The low value of an item is mapped onto the low social status of the tinker and the triviality of his expletive).
Practice
Quiz
In which situation might someone historically use the phrase 'not worth a tinker's cuss'?