Two Bits

Posted by Henry on February 05, 2004

In Reply to: Two Bits posted by Keith Pelton on February 04, 2004

: : : : Hearing this phrase often from my grandfather "Two Bits", I know it means .25 cents. What's a bit and if it's two of them, why .25 cents?

: : : It's an arbitrary small amount. Similarly, "I wouldn't give tuppence for it." (two pence)

: : See link below from a previous discussion we had here a while ago.

: Thanks!! This site is great and everyone is cool. Thanks again!

It's still a surprise that "two" and not "one" should be used to represent a very small quantity.
I wouldn't give two pins for it.
Two shakes of a lamb's tail.
I'll be back in two ticks.
I expect there are more.

• Two and the brain... Word Camel 05/February/04
  • Two and the brain... Bob 05/February/04