twopence
C1Informal, Historical, UK-specific
Definition
Meaning
A British coin worth two old pence (2d) or, since decimalization, the value of two pence (2p); a small amount of money.
A thing of little value or significance; used in expressions like 'not worth twopence' to denote worthlessness. Historically, the term also referred to a specific coin.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a UK term. In its historical sense (pre-1971), it was pronounced /ˈtʌpəns/ and written as 'tuppence' informally. The decimal coin (2p) introduced in 1971 is formally 'two pence', but 'twopence' can refer to its value. Used both literally and figuratively to denote insignificance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
This is a primarily British term. American English has no direct equivalent for the historical coin. Americans would say 'two cents' for the value, which carries similar figurative meanings (e.g., 'my two cents').
Connotations
In UK English, it connotes a very small amount, often with a touch of quaintness or nostalgia. The figurative use implies triviality or worthlessness.
Frequency
High frequency in UK English, but mostly in historical contexts, set phrases, or figurative use. Rare to non-existent in modern American English outside of discussions of British culture.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] be not worth twopence.I wouldn't give twopence for [object].It cost (me) twopence.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “not care/give twopence for”
- “not worth twopence”
- “a penny plain and twopence coloured”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except historically in pricing ('costing twopence').
Academic
Used in historical or economic texts discussing British currency.
Everyday
Used figuratively in the UK to express low value ('His opinion isn't worth twopence').
Technical
In numismatics (coin collecting).
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- a twopence stamp (historical)
- a twopence coloured (from the idiom)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The sweet cost twopence many years ago.
- I found an old twopence coin in my grandfather's drawer.
- His promise isn't worth twopence; he never keeps his word.
- She wouldn't give twopence for their chances of winning the contract, given their lack of preparation.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'two' and 'pence' squeezed together into 'twopence', a small coin that is of TWO PENnies worth. The old pronunciation 'tuppence' sounds like 'two pence' said quickly.
Conceptual Metaphor
MONEY IS VALUE / LACK OF MONEY IS LACK OF WORTH.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as 'два пенса'. In figurative use, it's closer to 'грош' or 'мелочь'. The historical context is specific to the UK.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'twopence' in a modern US context. Confusing 'twopence' (UK) with 'two cents' (US). Misspelling as 'twopense'.
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is 'twopence' primarily used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Tuppence' is the traditional, informal pronunciation and sometimes spelling of 'twopence', especially for the pre-decimal coin. 'Twopence' is the standard spelling.
It would sound very British. An American would naturally say 'two cents' for the value and use expressions like 'my two cents' for an opinion.
Formally, it's a 'two pence' piece. However, people might refer to its value as 'twopence' (e.g., 'It costs twopence'), and the term is often used for the older, larger pre-decimal coin.
It is an idiom meaning to not care at all about something, to consider it utterly insignificant or worthless.