halfpennyworth

English

Etymology

From Middle English halpenyworth; equivalent to halfpenny +‎ worth; compare Old English healfpeniġweorþ.

Pronunciation

• (British) IPA^(key): /ˈhɛɪpnɪwəθ/
• (British) IPA^(key): /ˈhɛɪpəθ/

Noun

halfpennyworth (plural halfpennyworths) (abbreviation ha'p'orth)

1. (British) As much as could be bought for a halfpenny (pre- or post-decimalisation).

   Coordinate terms: pennyworth, tuppence worth

2. (British, informal) A negligible amount.

   Synonyms: pennyworth, tuppence worth; see also Thesaurus:modicum

   he's never been a ha'p'orth of bother

3. (British, informal) One's opinion or thoughts on a matter.

   Synonyms: pennyworth, tuppence worth; (US origin) two cents, two cents' worth

Usage notes

• Also used in combination with larger amounts, as in "twopence halfpennyworth" (said "tuppence ha'penny's worth" and equal to as much as could be bought for two and a half pence).

References

• New Oxford American Dictionary