Definition

Noun: - Something of little or no value; a negligible amount: The phrase "tinker's dam" refers to something utterly worthless or insignificant. It is used to express that something has no value or importance.

Usage

• The term is used in negative constructions, most commonly in the pattern "not worth a tinker's dam," to emphatically state that something is worthless.
• It is a somewhat dated or proverbial expression.

Examples

• Noun:
  • His opinion on the matter isn't worth a tinker's dam. (His opinion is completely worthless.)
  • They argued that the old contract was not worth a tinker's dam and needed to be rewritten from scratch. (The old contract was considered completely without value.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is often seen in its variant form "not worth a tinker's damn." The terms "dam" and "damn" are used interchangeably in this idiom, with "damn" being more common in modern usage.
• It functions as a strong intensifier of worthlessness, similar to other idioms like "not worth a plugged nickel" or "not worth beans."

Variants and Related Words

• Tinker's damn (n): The more frequent variant of the phrase, identical in meaning.
  • I wouldn't give a tinker's damn for his advice.
• Not worth a damn (idiom): A more general and common idiom meaning "completely worthless."
  • This broken tool isn't worth a damn.

Synonyms

• Trifle: Something of little value or importance.
• Bauble: A small, showy trinket or decoration of little value.
• Triviality: The quality or state of being unimportant.

Related Idioms

• Not worth a red cent: Having no monetary value whatsoever.
  • That counterfeit bill is not worth a red cent.
• Not worth shucks: (Informal) Worthless or of very poor quality.
  • His apology wasn't worth shucks.
• Not worth a hill of beans: Having very little value or importance.
  • Her promise turned out not to be worth a hill of beans.

Noun

1. something of little value
   • his promise is not worth a damn
   • not worth one red cent
   • not worth shucks