BRASS FARTHING Meaning and
Definition
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A "brass farthing" is a term that refers to a type of coin used in early British currency. The name itself gives a clue about its composition and worth. "Brass" denotes the material out of which the coin was primarily made. During this era, brass was a popular metal alloy, typically composed of copper and zinc, known for being durable and resistant to corrosion. "Farthing" was a denomination of coin, representing a small unit of currency with a low value.
In terms of the usage of "brass farthing," it typically signified an utter lack of monetary value or worth. The coin was so insignificant and inexpensive that it was often used metaphorically in expressions or phrases to emphasize the idea of worthlessness or insignificance. For example, someone may say, "I wouldn't give a brass farthing for that old car," indicating that they perceive the vehicle to have no value.
Furthermore, "brass farthing" is also occasionally used in idiomatic expressions to convey stubbornness or defiance. For instance, if someone were to declare, "I won't give up without a brass farthing," they mean they will not yield or surrender easily. It implies a determination to hold on to even the smallest semblance of worth or dignity in a challenging situation, echoing the idea that the coin, despite its minimal value, has some inherent significance.
Common Misspellings for BRASS FARTHING
- vrass farthing
- nrass farthing
- hrass farthing
- grass farthing
- beass farthing
- bdass farthing
- bfass farthing
- btass farthing
- b5ass farthing
- b4ass farthing
- brzss farthing
- brsss farthing
- brwss farthing
- brqss farthing
- braas farthing
- brazs farthing
- braxs farthing
- brads farthing
- braes farthing
- braws farthing
Etymology of BRASS FARTHING
The term "brass farthing" has its origins in early modern English and is derived from two separate aspects.
1. Brass: Brass is a yellowish alloy made primarily of copper and zinc. It was used to make minor coins and tokens during different periods in history. The use of "brass" in the term "brass farthing" refers to the material of the coin itself, indicating that it was made of brass.
2. Farthing: The term "farthing" is a historical British coin that was worth one-quarter of an old penny. The word "farthing" comes from the Old English "feorthing", which means "a fourth part". It was the smallest denomination of currency at the time.
Combining these two aspects, "brass farthing" was used to refer to a very insignificant amount of money or something of little value.
Idioms with the word BRASS FARTHING
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not worth a brass farthing
The idiom "not worth a brass farthing" means something or someone that has little or no value or worth. It suggests that the thing or person in question is worthless, insignificant, or of little importance. The term "brass farthing" refers to a small, low-value coin made of brass, emphasizing the lack of value or worth.
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be not worth a brass farthing
The idiom "be not worth a brass farthing" means that something has little to no value or worth. It implies that the object or situation being referred to is considered to be of very low quality or importance. "Brass farthing" refers to a small coin of little value, emphasizing the lack of worthiness.
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not a brass farthing
The idiom "not a brass farthing" means to have no money or wealth whatsoever. It signifies being completely broke or impoverished, where a "brass farthing" represents a small and worthless coin.
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a brass farthing
The idiom "a brass farthing" refers to a very small or insignificant amount of money. It implies that something is virtually worthless or of little value.
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brass farthing
A brass farthing is a British idiom used to describe something of very little or no value. It refers to the smallest and least valuable coin in circulation in England during the 17th century, made of brass and worth very little.
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