Yankee dime: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘Yankee dime’ mean?
The idiom "Yankee dime" refers to a small amount of money, often given as a tip or a small payment. The term "Yankee" signifies the American culture, while a "dime" denotes a ten-cent coin. Together, the idiom implies a modest sum of money.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "two pennies' worth" means expressing one's opinion or input, often in a forceful or assertive manner, usually without being asked for it.
The idiom "two cents" means to interject or offer one's opinion, often when it is unsolicited or not highly valued. It implies giving a small or insignificant contribution to a conversation or discussion.
The idiom "ten-cent word" refers to a word that is unnecessarily complex or fancy, typically used to impress others. It implies that such words are not only overly complicated but also of little value, like a cheap product.
The idiom "teeny weeny" means something extremely small or tiny.
The idiom "pretty penny" means a significant or large amount of money. It is often used to emphasize the high cost or value of something.
The idiom "pin money" refers to a small amount of extra money that is earned for personal use or personal expenses.
The idiom "pennies on the dollar" means to buy or sell something at a significantly discounted price, usually much lower than its actual value.
Origin Mystery
The idiom "Yankee dime" is a phrase that originated in the United States. It is used to refer to a small amount of money or a small coin. This phrase has a rich history and is believed to have emerged in the early 19th century.
The term "Yankee" has several meanings. It can refer to people from the northeastern United States or, more broadly, to Americans in general. The word "Yankee" is thought to have derived from the Dutch name "Jan Kees," which was used to describe Dutch settlers in America. Over time, "Yankee" became associated specifically with residents of New England.
The word "dime" in this idiom refers to the ten-cent coin in the United States. The dime depicts President Franklin D. Roosevelt and has been in circulation since 1946. It is a widely recognized symbol of American currency.
The idiom "Yankee dime" itself is used metaphorically to represent a small or insignificant amount of money. It suggests that the value or worth of something is minimal, perhaps even inconsequential. This phrase is often used when the speaker wants to emphasize the insignificance or lack of importance of a particular amount of money.
One related idiom is "nickel", which is a five-cent coin in the United States. Similar to the "Yankee dime", the expression "not worth a nickel" is used to convey that something is of little or no value. It implies that the amount of money being discussed is not even worth the equivalent of a nickel.
Another related idiom is "dime's worth". This idiom is used to describe something that is worth the value of a dime, which is a small amount. It can be used to suggest that something is not worth a lot, or that it is only worth a small amount of money.
There is also the idiomatic expression "nickel-and-dime". This phrase is commonly used to describe a situation in which someone is being charged for or receiving small amounts of money. It can also refer to a situation in which someone is being treated with a lack of respect or taken advantage of in small, insignificant ways.
Overall, the idiom "Yankee dime" is rooted in American colloquial language. It reflects the history and cultural context of the United States, particularly in relation to money. The idiom, along with its related idioms "nickel", "dime's worth", and "nickel-and-dime", provide insights into American linguistic traditions and the ways in which language is used to express value and worth.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "Yankee dime" can be used in a sentence:
- He wouldn't give you a Yankee dime for that old book.
- She's so tight with her money, she wouldn't spend a Yankee dime on anything.
- They promised to pay me back, but I haven't seen a Yankee dime from them yet.
The idiom "Yankee dime" is often used to convey someone's unwillingness to spend money or their reluctance to part with their own money. It implies a sense of frugality or stinginess. The phrase is typically used in a negative context to criticize or characterize someone who is unwilling to be generous or spend money even when necessary.
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