Thruppence Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
💰
thruppence
[ˈθrʌpəns ]
Definition
British currency
Thruppence is a coin that was used in the United Kingdom, worth three pence. It was commonly used before decimalisation in 1971 and is no longer in circulation. The term is often associated with historical references to money and currency in Britain.
Synonyms
three pence, threepence.
Examples of usage
- He found an old thruppence in his pocket.
- In the past, a thruppence could buy a loaf of bread.
- The collector was excited to add a rare thruppence to his collection.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'thruppence'
The term 'thruppence' originates from the British currency system, derived from 'three pence.' It represents a coin worth three pence, which is a part of the old pre-decimal currency system used in the UK until the decimalisation in 1971. The word combines the prefix 'thru-' indicating three, with the suffix '-pence' derived from the Latin 'pendere,' meaning 'to weigh.' Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, the thruppence saw various designs and representations, including the famous 'thruppence bit', which was a silver coin commonly circulated. As the UK moved towards a decimal system, the thruppence slowly disappeared from everyday use, leading to a decline in the term's prevalence in modern language. However, it remains a term of historical significance, often referenced in discussions of currency and collectibles.