Not Worth A Sou

Origins

The phrase "not worth a sou" is a colloquialism that means something is worthless or of little value. The term "sou" refers to a French coin that was once worth very little. The phrase is often used to describe something that is not worth the effort or expense to acquire or keep.

Historical Context

The sou was a small copper coin that was first minted in France in the 13th century. It was originally worth 1/20th of a denier, which was the smallest unit of currency in France at the time. The value of the sou gradually declined over time due to inflation and debasement. By the 19th century, the sou was worth only 1/100th of a franc.

Figurative Meaning

The phrase "not worth a sou" is often used figuratively to mean something is worthless or of little value. This can apply to both tangible and intangible things. Here are a few examples: * A car that is broken down and cannot be repaired may be described as "not worth a sou." * A job that pays very little and offers no benefits may be described as "not worth a sou." * A relationship that is no longer fulfilling may be described as "not worth a sou."

Variations

There are several variations of the phrase "not worth a sou." One common variation is "not worth a plugged nickel." This phrase is used to emphasize the worthlessness of something. Another variation is "not worth a hill of beans." This phrase is often used to describe something that is of no value at all.

Conclusion

The phrase "not worth a sou" is a colorful way to express that something is worthless or of little value. It is a phrase that has been used for centuries and is still commonly used today.