halfpennyworth
English edit
Etymology edit
From Middle English halpenyworth; equivalent to halfpenny + worth; compare Old English healfpeniġweorþ.
Pronunciation edit
Noun edit
halfpennyworth (plural halfpennyworths) (abbreviation ha'p'orth)
- (British) As much as could be bought for a halfpenny (pre- or post-decimalisation).
- Coordinate terms: pennyworth, tuppence worth
- (British, informal) A negligible amount.
- Synonyms: pennyworth, tuppence worth; see also Thesaurus:modicum
- he's never been a ha'p'orth of bother
- (British, informal) One's opinion or thoughts on a matter.
- Synonyms: pennyworth, tuppence worth; (US origin) two cents, two cents' worth
Usage notes edit
- Also used in combination with larger amounts, as in "twopence halfpennyworth" (said "tuppence ha'penny's worth" and equal to as much as could be bought for two and a half pence).
References edit
- New Oxford American Dictionary