two penn'orth
- noun
- /tuː ˈpɛnəθ/
- UK
:
dos peniques
- I know it is a bit old, but it made me think, so here is my two penn'orth.
Examples
-
Everyone was sharing their thoughts, and I felt compelled to add my two penn'orth as well.
-
Though my experience is limited, I hope my two penn'orth can help clarify the situation.
-
I appreciate your insight, but let me offer my two penn'orth on the matter.
Synonyms
A small opinion someone gives, often when not asked
A small polite comment meant to help someone
A small amount you can buy for one penny
How Significant
Surface Forms
Morphology
two + penn'orth
Literally 'two' + 'penn'orth' (a dialectal contraction of 'pennyworth') yields the sense 'two pennies' worth' which directly suggests a small value, so a learner who recognises 'penn'orth' as 'pennyworth' can infer a minor contribution or opinion. However, the shift from monetary 'worth' to 'opinion' is a conventional/metaphorical usage and 'penn'orth' is dialectal/archaic, so the meaning is not fully predictable for an average B1 learner without prior exposure.
Etymology
Two penn'orth comes from old use where a penn'orth was the value of one penny, so two penn'orth is just two pennies, a very small amount. That is why it now means a small 'opinion' or small piece of 'advice' someone adds to a conversation.