WordGarden.iotwopence
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /tˈuːpəns/
US
Meanings
Noun
the value or sum of two pence
a former British coin worth two pence
Beyond the definition
"Twopence" (often said as "tuppence") is an old British way of saying two pennies. It can mean a coin or sum of that value, but it also lives on in idioms. Very often, it suggests a tiny amount of money or something of very little worth. In some contexts, it can also point to a small personal opinion, much like the American idea of "two cents."
The word is well known from the song "Feed the Birds" in Mary Poppins, with the line "tuppence a bag," meaning that the birdseed costs very little. That gives the word a strong feeling of smallness: a small price, a small amount, or something not worth much. In British English, related phrases such as "not worth twopence" or "my twopence worth" keep that sense alive.
Historically, "twopence" was a British monetary term for two pennies, especially in the old pre-decimal system used before 1971. Over time it referred to coins of that value in different forms. After decimalization, the usual modern form became "two pence" or "2p," while "twopence" came to sound more old-fashioned and more strongly tied to fixed expressions and older styles of speech.
In modern English, the word appears more often in tone and idiom than in real money talk. If something is "not worth twopence," it is of very poor value or hardly worth having. If someone offers "my twopence worth," they are giving their opinion, often in a modest or slightly playful way. This use is close to the American phrase "my two cents."
The term also appears in older songs, stories, and literature, which helps preserve its British flavor. Whether it refers to a real old coin, a very small sum, or a passing opinion, "twopence" usually carries the idea of something small. Depending on the sentence, that smallness may feel affectionate, humble, dismissive, or simply old-fashioned.
Examples
- 1
Old British money
In those days, a postcard cost twopence to send.
- 2
Personal opinion
If you want my twopence worth, I think we should book the earlier train.
- Phrasemy twopence worth
my opinion
- 3
Unwanted opinion
He always has to put in his twopence worth when other people are making plans.
- Phraseput in your twopence worth
give your opinion, often when nobody asked
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- twopencenoun