two-bit
Definition
Adjective (informal, primarily North American): - Of little worth or value: "two-bit" describes something or someone considered cheap, insignificant, or of poor quality. - He runs a two-bit operation that barely makes any profit. (A business of very low value or importance.)
Usage Examples
- (A lawyer with very little skill or reputation.)
- (A cheap, low-quality memento.)
- (Advice that is worthless or uninformed.)
Advanced Usage
- "Two-bit" as a modifier: Often used to belittle or dismiss a person, place, or thing as being unworthy of serious consideration.
- The movie was a two-bit thriller with terrible acting. (A low-budget, unimpressive film.)
- Historical origin: The term originally referred to the value of a quarter (25 cents), where "two bits" meant a quarter dollar. Over time, it came to mean anything cheap or insignificant.
- In the old days, a two-bit cigar cost only a quarter. (A cheap cigar.)
Variants and Related Words
- Two bits (noun phrase): A quarter of a dollar (25 cents) in US currency.
- The candy cost only two bits. (25 cents.)
Synonyms
- Cheap: of low cost or poor quality.
- Insignificant: lacking importance or value.
- Paltry: very small or meager in amount.
- Trifling: of little value or importance.
Related Idioms
- "Not worth two bits": to be completely worthless.
- That old car isn't worth two bits. (It has no value at all.)
Phrasal Verbs
(No common phrasal verbs are associated with "two-bit".)
Additional Notes
- "Two-bit" is almost exclusively used as an adjective before a noun (e.g., a two-bit actor, a two-bit scheme). It is rarely used predicatively (e.g., "That actor is two-bit" is uncommon).