mitten money
Definition
- Noun (slang, nautical):
- Cold-weather allowance: "mitten money" refers to an additional payment or compensation given to pilots or maritime workers for working in cold weather conditions. The term derives from the idea of needing extra funds to purchase mittens or other cold-weather gear.
- Historical context: This term was used specifically in maritime contexts, where pilots (those who guide ships into harbors) received extra pay during winter months to offset the discomfort and expense of working in freezing temperatures.
Usage Examples
- (Cold-weather allowance for a maritime pilot.)
- (Historical slang for cold-weather pay.)
Advanced Usage
- "Mitten money" is now considered archaic or highly specialized. It is rarely used outside of historical discussions of maritime labor practices.
- The archives show that mitten money was a standard clause in pilotage contracts from the 19th century. (Historical reference to a specific payment.)
Variants and Related Words
- Mitten (n): a type of glove that covers the four fingers together and the thumb separately.
- She wore woolen mittens to keep her hands warm. (A hand covering for cold weather.)
- Money (n): a medium of exchange in the form of coins and banknotes.
- He saved his money for a new bicycle. (Currency or funds.)
Synonyms
- Cold-weather allowance: a specific payment for working in low temperatures.
- Winter pay: extra compensation during cold months.
- Hardship pay: additional payment for difficult working conditions.
Related Idioms
- "To make mitten money": an informal expression meaning to earn extra income for specific hardships.
- The miners made mitten money during the harsh winter months. (They earned extra pay for cold-weather work.)
Phrasal Verbs