Definition

Noun 1. The amount of something that can be purchased for a halfpenny: A small quantity or measure of a commodity, historically equivalent to the value of a halfpenny coin. 2. (Figurative) A very small or insignificant amount: Used to emphasize a tiny quantity or a negligible degree of something.

Usage

• Historical/Contextual Usage: Primarily used in British English to refer to a specific quantity of goods (e.g., sweets, produce) in a pre-decimal currency system. It is now largely archaic.
• Figurative/Idiomatic Usage: Commonly used in the phrase "don't care a ha'p'orth" or similar constructions to express complete indifference or to describe something as trivial.

Examples

• Literal (Historical):
  • The child saved his penny and spent a ha'p'orth on lemon drops.
  • In the old days, you could get a ha'p'orth of chips.
• Figurative/Idiomatic:
  • He doesn't care a ha'p'orth for public opinion.
  • Her argument wasn't worth a ha'p'orth; it was based on pure speculation.

Advanced Usage

• "Not a ha'p'orth of difference": Used to indicate that there is no discernible difference between two things.
  • After all that debate, there's not a ha'p'orth of difference between the two proposals.
• "For a ha'p'orth of tar": From the proverb "Don't spoil the ship for a ha'p'orth of tar," meaning do not risk the failure of a large or valuable project by trying to save a trivial amount of money or effort.

Variants and Related Words

• Halfpennyworth (n.): The standard, non-contracted spelling of the word.
• Pennyworth (n.): The amount that can be bought for a penny.
• Ha'penny (n.): The halfpenny coin itself.

Synonyms

• Mite: A very small amount or particle.
• Whit: The smallest part or particle imaginable.
• Jot: A very small amount.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• Don't care a ha'p'orth: To be completely unconcerned or indifferent.
  • She doesn't care a ha'p'orth about fashion trends.
• Not worth a ha'p'orth: To be completely worthless or without value.
  • His promise turned out to be not worth a ha'p'orth.

Noun

1. the amount that can be bought for a halfpenny