🪙 Red Cent, Not Worth/Don’t Have a
Definition: Worthless; bankrupt or broke. The cent has long been the lowest denomination of American coins, and “red” refers to the fact that it used to be made of copper.
Historical Note: The expression dates back to the early nineteenth century. J. S. Jones used it in People’s Lawyer (circa 1839): “It would not have cost you a red cent.”
Examples in Literature:
- “I wouldn’t give you a red cent for that advice,” she said, laughing at the thought of spending her last dime on such nonsense.
Related Terms and Phrases:
- “Penny-wise and pound-foolish”: Being careful about small amounts of money but not managing large amounts prudently.
- “Break the bank”: To be extremely expensive.
- “Pay through the nose”: Paying too much for something.
- “Tighten the belt”: To cut back on spending.
Proverbs:
- “A penny saved is a penny earned.” – Benjamin Franklin
- “The best things in life are free.” – Proverb
Humor-Filled Quotes:
- “I told the doctor I broke my arm in two places. He told me to stop going to those places.” – Henny Youngman
- “Whoever said money can’t buy happiness simply didn’t know where to go shopping.” – Bo Derek
Suggested Reads:
- Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki
- The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason
- Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
Songs:
- “If I Had $1,000,000” by Barenaked Ladies
- “Money (That’s What I Want)” by Barrett Strong
- “Can’t Buy Me Love” by The Beatles
Movies:
- The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
- Wall Street (1987)
- Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
🌟 Quizzes
### Which of these means having little or no money?
- [x] Not worth a red cent
- [ ] Sitting on a gold mine
- [ ] Money to burn
- [ ] Loaded with dough
> **Explanation:** "Not worth a red cent" means something or someone has no value. The other options imply having plenty of money.
### True or False: 'A penny saved is a penny earned' means you can increase your savings by not spending money.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True! This old adage encourages saving money instead of spending it, and accumulating wealth over time.
### What's equivalent to 'not worth a red cent'?
- [ ] Costing an arm and a leg
- [ ] Rolling in dough
- [x] Worthless
- [ ] Rolling in riches
> **Explanation:** "Worthless" is synonymous with "not worth a red cent." The other options imply value and abundance.
### Finish this phrase: A penny for your ____?
- [ ] Wallet
- [ ] Shoes
- [ ] House
- [x] Thoughts
> **Explanation:** The correct expression is "A penny for your thoughts," suggesting someone's thoughts are worth money.
### True or False: 'Break the bank' means the same as 'not worth a red cent.'
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** False. "Break the bank" means something extremely expensive, while "not worth a red cent" means something worthless.
★ Inspirational Thought-Provoking Farewell:
Remember, even if you feel you’re not worth a red cent, your value is immeasurable to those who truly know you. Keep shining, and maybe you’ll find that all these “worthless” moments are real treasures in disguise. 🌟
— Penny Lessmore, November 27, 2023
