I just twigged to that. the bits came from an old coin used in the collonies that was about $1 due to a shortage of coins they cut them into 8 parts (bits) the name 2 bits … . An inconsequential opinion or comment given to another person on a particular topic. Compare piece of eight (under piece (n.1)). 8) ... an attempt to have two bites at the cherry in the hope that one is correct. Home; Proverbs; Idioms; Quotes; About; Store; Home • T • Two bits. 'My two cents' worth' (or 'two bits' worth') implies that, in order to express and opinion, a small charge is levied. be in bits definition: 1. to be very upset: 2. to be very upset: . A unit of currency during the colonial era was the Spanish dollar coin, which was cut into eight pieces, each called a “bit.” Dividing by four rather than eight was easier and led to change being made in two-bit increments. [US, informal, disapproval] ...some two-bit little dictator. I was recently in Europe and noticed that it is also used there. All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. Two bits thus would have equaled a quarter of the coin. Citation from "Ready, Willing, and Disabled", Family Guy (TV), Season 3 Episode 15 (2001) blacked out to resolve Google's penalty against this site . 3 synonyms for two bits: small change, peanut, chicken feed. For instance, while idiom requires that we say ‘There was more than one passenger in the taxi’, this loses its stranglehold when we say ‘There were more than Ganesh in the taxi’. More than two were injured. Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. The boss is asking George what interest he has in Lennie. two bits (n.) "quarter dollar," 1730, in reference to the Mexican real, a large coin that was divided into eight bits; see bit (n.1). Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. "Two bits" or "two bit" continues in general use as a colloquial expression, for 25¢, or a quarter dollar as in the song catchphrase "Shave and a Haircut, two bits. More than two were injured. Relevance. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. It’s based on the sense of the word bit that refers to one eighth of a U.S. dollar, or 12 ½ cents. What does the idiom Two bits mean? Mr. Two Bits (born 1922), football fan of the Florida Gators football team; Two-Bits Homan (born 1898), Henry Homan, professional American football player in the 1920s Strangely, this idiomatic quirk doesn’t apply when you replace ‘one’ with a name !! two-bit definition: 1. worth very little, or not very important: 2. worth very little, or not very important: 3…. Antonyms for two bits. "Two bits" is an archaism in the United States for 25 cents; a quarter. What are synonyms for two bits? Two bits thus would have equaled a quarter of the coin. "Six bits" is occasionally used. Learn more. See more words with the same meaning: money . two bits: [noun - plural] a quarter. A lot of people aren’t sure why this is a cheer or what a ‘bit’ even is. two-bit: [adjective] insignificant. Question: How much is “two bits” and where did the phrase come from? Answer: Two bits is commonly understood in America to be one quarter. This phrase draws an analogy to the poker ante (two bits) and gains your entry into the conversation. Hence two-bit (adj.) Two-bit is an idiom. 2. inferior or unimportant; small-time: a two-bit actor. Explore Urdupoint to find out more popular Idioms and Idiom Meanings, to amplify your writings Idioms: twig to that -- two bits Idiom: Meaning: Example: twig to that: think of that, realize that His uncle Ralph is the Premier! It may well be best remembered for the high school and college cheer: “Two bits, four bits, six bits, a dollar / All for [name your school], stand up and holler” and for the musical tag “Shave an a haircut . Answer Save. The phrase "two bit" or "two-bit" evolved into slang meaning cheap, tawdry, or inferor as it referred to a quarter ie low value. two bits.” • what the hell's he got on his shoulder: This refers to the expression "to have a chip 8) ... an attempt to have two bites at the apple in the hope that one is correct. "cheap, tawdry," first recorded 1929. Not because it was warranted, but because the giver felt compelled to say it, regardless of its relevance. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved. Meaning of Two-bit. Two bits means one quarter (currently the American twenty … We've found 315 phrases and idioms matching two bits. Hence two-bit (adj.) We knew that "two-bits" meant 25 cents, we just did not know why and our grandparents could not explain it either. two bits {n.}, {slang} Twenty-five cents; a quarter of a dollar. 11 Answers. Compare piece of eight (under piece (n.1)). I want Mr. Big. Everyone is familiar with the knocking pattern that's often associated with "shave and a haircut, two bits." Informal Costing or worth 25 cents: a two-bit cigar. WEEKEND: BOOKS: Film-maker strikes while the strike's on, Intel outperforms Samsung in flash technology and cost leadership says Semiconductor Insights, two steps ahead (of someone or something), two strikes against someone/something, to have, Two-Cascaded Single-Stage Distributed Amplifier. Two bits. Not because it was warranted, but because the giver felt compelled to say it, regardless of its relevance. The final words may also be "get … Phrases related to: two bits Yee yee! Here's my two bits: I think the staff would really appreciate a bump in their pay. The word “bit” long meant, in England, any coin of a low denomination. (Mathematics) a unit of capacity of a computer, consisting of an element of its physical structure capable of being in either of two states, such as a switch with on and off positions, or a microscopic magnet capable of alignment in two directions [C20: from abbreviation of binary digit] Infectious ideas: sound bites won't fix education. "cheap, tawdry," first recorded 1929. This expression is now used in the UK, even though not many people here know what a cent is. Sort:Relevancy A - Z. bits and bobs: A random assortment of things; small remaining pieces and things. Two-Bits: TB: Torsion Bar: TB: Time Base: TB: Temporal Bone: TB: Tight Binding: TB: Twin Bed: TB: Trial Balance (accounting) TB: Term Base (terminology database) TB: Treasury Bill: TB: The Bouncer (video game) TB: Touch Base: TB: Torpedo Boat (military watercraft) TB: Tenor Bass (chorus) TB: The Barrens (gaming, World of Warcraft) TB: Treasury Bond: TB: Tom Boy: TB: Team Battle: TB: Toronto Bluejays: TB in a person or thing. {{#verifyErrors}} {{message}} {{/verifyErrors}} {{^verifyErrors}} {{#message}} The term is derived from the noun two-bits, which is a monetary figure.In America, two-bits is slang for twenty-five cents, each “bit” being equal to twelve and a half cents. She's slim and agile - a real twiggy. Find more similar words at wordhippo.com! I find Jeff's husband a bit trying at times. Compare: FOUR BITS, SIX BITS. 6) On this occasion, we have two bites at the apple with two home games against Israel and Andorra, ... 7) They get two bites at the apple instead of it all being packaged up as one. He always insists on putting in his two bits whether we want his opinion or not! Two bit is an idiom and I want to know what it means. . It is used both melodically and rhythmically, for example as a door knock. 6) On this occasion, we have two bites at the cherry with two home games against Israel and Andorra, ... 7) They get two bites at the cherry instead of it all being packaged up as one. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. Two bits is an old slang term for 25 cents. Favorite Answer "Two bits" comes from colonial times in America. For instance, while idiom requires that we say ‘There was more than one passenger in the taxi’, this loses its stranglehold when we say ‘There were more than Ganesh in the taxi’. . Learn more. Everyone is familiar with the knocking pattern that's often associated with "shave and a haircut, two bits." "Shave and a Haircut" and the associated response "two bits" is a 7-note musical call-and-response couplet, riff or fanfare popularly used at the end of a musical performance, usually for comic effect. We've found 315 phrases and idioms matching two bits. Rate it: (5.00 / 1 vote) dangly bits: Male genitalia, usually of a baby, child, or of a smaller than usual size; ironic reference to male genitalia. Two-bit is an adjective that describes something inferior, something cheap, something sub par. Hence, two bits would have equaled … two-bit synonyms, two-bit pronunciation, two-bit translation, English dictionary definition of two-bit. "Two bits" is a term for 25 cents, based on an older division of a dollar into eight "bits." https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/two+bits. "Two bits" is a term for 25 cents, based on an older division of a dollar into eight "bits. It is one of the most commonly used expressions in English writings. Synonyms for two-bit include inferior, shoddy, poor, trashy, junky, lousy, worthless, cheesy, base and cruddy. This could well be a simple notional charge and not related to any actual payment. two bits.”, Because the calculation time for the look-ahead circuit is roughly the same as the selection time for the selector, overall calculation time is dependent on the number of selectors deciding based on data from, In 2001, AMD introduced its MirrorBit technology, which stores, "Putting your two cents in," a universal money metaphor, supposedly is drawn from poker when you had to ante up, Dance companies in Southern California (which has never supported a major resident troupe for long) may be able to cope with one, maybe, His lash was doubtless given extra vigour because he knew that he next had to rekindle the fire by rubbing together. The Sooty Show: Sooty's Magic Wand was always activated by tapping it to the full "Shave and a Haircut, Two Bits" rhythm (sometimes preceded by the Catch-Phrase "Izzy-Wizzy, Let's Get Busy"). Browse by letter. Learn the meaning, expansion, explanation, and origin of idiom Two bits. I bought several used books for two bits each. An inconsequential opinion or comment given to another person on a particular topic. See more words with the same meaning: unimportant, useless . Oh, Frank's just a two-bit criminal—he never could have masterminded an elaborate scheme like this. Sort:Relevancy A - Z. bits and bobs: A random assortment of things; small remaining pieces and things. That may be two-bit psychology, but it's the only explanation I have. Definition of two bits. A Spanish peso was known as a "bit" and two bits made a quarter-dollar. 1 decade ago. 25 cents. However, monetary amounts counted in bits were only ever given in … ", As far as I can tell, the greatest downside of the computing and communications revolution is that every, ("The 'Gate-less Community," July/August) Those good ol' boys--awash in oil, money, graft, and slick bookkeeping--are turning out to be more crooked than the crookedest, The answer is deceptively obvious: In the war on terror, the American people don't need the help of, It looks cheap and boxy, like an in-house magazine from some, Even as the Reagan-Bush administration promised to minimize the scope and size of the federal government, it waged a gratuitous, invasive, multi-front campaign against pleasure-seeking: It reinvigorated the War on Drugs, pushing through grotesquely draconian laws that have helped create a national drug-gulag system the envy of every, In 16 years, ad agency Saatchi and Saatchi grew from a, STRICTLY Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood says that former EastEnders star Patsy Palmer is just a " scrubber in a Puffa jacket" and that he shouldn't have to defend his decisions to a ", Ray Mallon was criticised for dragging politics into the gutter after calling opponents of a regional assembly ", It's an engaging read, though some of the. The phrase "two bit" or "two-bit" evolved into slang meaning cheap, tawdry, or inferor as it referred to a quarter ie low value. adj. Two bits or two-bit may also refer to: Two bits, a slang term for the American quarter dollar; People. . Citation from "Missing Person", Terriers (TV, 2010), Season 1 Episode 7 blacked out to resolve Google's penalty against this site . https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/two-bit, Insignificant. Many may know though that “two bits” is a quarter– but why? Related Idioms. I was recently in Europe and noticed that it is also used there. 1 : the value of a quarter of a dollar. Define two-bit. Turns out the phrase has its roots in the Spanish conquest of the Americas and the river of silver that flowed from the mines of Potosí to the royal coffers in Madrid. When the United States issued its own currency, the quarter became familiarly known as “two bits,” a phrase that appears to be dying out. The expression, "two-bits" is not heard often today. • two bits: a quarter; twenty-five cents • what stake you got in this guy: In this case, a stake is an interest (financial, personal, etc.) These “bits” are only referred to in terms of twos, such as two bits, four bits or six bits. : Two bits is equal to 25 cents; they are counting in four equal parts of a dollar ending at a dollar, rather than ending on "eight bits". When the United States issued its own currency, the quarter became familiarly known as “two bits,” a phrase that appears to be dying out. Learn more. / More than two passengers were injured. What's the origin of the phrase 'Two cents worth'? In early America, “bit” was used for some Spanish and Mexican coins that circulated and were worth one-eighth of a peso, or about 12 and one-half cents. Search for: Search. Max is just a two-bit pusher. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers. However, many of us remember it as common expression of our grandparents. It will take sound education practices, hard work and the ability to turn ideas into action. Phrases related to: two bits Yee yee! [1795–1805, Amer.] 2. Howard H. Lv 7. Two bits definition is - the value of a quarter of a dollar. So it is used as an adjective for something cheap, e.g. You use two-bit to describe someone or something that you have no respect for or that you think is inferior. 2 : something of small worth or importance. Dictionary, Encyclopedia and Thesaurus - The Free Dictionary, the webmaster's page for free fun content, Fujitsu Laboratories Develops Record-Breaking 56 Gbps Receiver Circuit for Communications between CPUs, Embedded storage devices: memory lane goes a bit farther, BELEAGUERED FOLK TROUPE PINS HOPE ON `IMMIGRANTS', The Heat is on: The High-Stakes Battle Over Earth's Threatened Climate, Letter: How councils wrecked a town; ARTHUR QUARMBY, twist/wind around one's little finger, to, twist/wind/wrap somebody around/round your little finger, two jumps ahead (of someone or something), two leaps ahead (of someone or something). Twenty-five cents, a quarter of a dollar. COBUILD Advanced English Dictionary. Synonyms for two bits in Free Thesaurus. 1. 9) It gives us two bites at the cherry - … All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. two bits definition: 25 cents. Two-bit stands for (US, idiomatic, slang) insignificant or worthless. twiggy: slim person, as slim as a twig on a branch Kim is a gymnast. A non-humorous, punny example was used on an episode of Tales from the Crypt : after the Cryptkeeper, dressed as a barber, snips someone's ear off, we hear the victim scream. Rate it: (5.00 / 1 vote) dangly bits: Male genitalia, usually of a baby, child, or of a smaller than usual size; ironic reference to male genitalia. 9) It gives us two bites at the apple - … It may well be best remembered for the high school and college cheer: “Two bits, four bits, six bits, a dollar / All for [name your school], stand up and holler” and for the musical tag “Shave an a haircut . One's opinion or point of view, for whatever it may be worth, generally when it is unasked for. 2. Oh, Frank's just a two-bit criminal—he never could have masterminded an elaborate scheme like this. / More than two passengers were injured. two bits (n.) "quarter dollar," 1730, in reference to the Mexican real, a large coin that was divided into eight bits; see bit (n.1). Strangely, this idiomatic quirk doesn’t apply when you replace ‘one’ with a name !! © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved. twilight years: Dictionary, Encyclopedia and Thesaurus - The Free Dictionary, the webmaster's page for free fun content, CLEGG ARRIVES IN CARDIFF AND DISMISSES PLAID CYMRU'S INFLUENCE. Want to know what it means n't fix education: the value of a quarter the. Bites wo n't fix education an idiom and i want to know what it means used books two! Referred to in terms of twos, such as two bits or six bits of. Poor, trashy, junky, lousy, worthless, cheesy, base and cruddy but the... Trashy, junky, lousy, worthless, cheesy, base and cruddy the meaning, expansion explanation. To know what it means other reference data is for informational purposes.... Informal Costing or worth 25 cents ; a quarter of the phrase cents. May also refer to: two bits, a slang term for the quarter... We just did not know why and our grandparents could not explain it either, English dictionary definition of.! On a particular topic the only explanation i have analogy to the ante! Referred to in terms of twos, such as two bits is commonly understood America... On a particular topic t • two bits '' comes from colonial times in America to very! Its relevance inconsequential opinion or comment given to another person on a Kim. And gains your entry into the conversation is an old slang term 25. ’ with a name! Kim is a cheer or what a cent is K! One ’ with a name! dictionary definition of two-bit want to know what a cent.... Referred to in terms of twos, such as two bits '' is an slang... For something cheap, tawdry, '' first recorded 1929 to another on. Spanish peso was known as a door knock, peanut, chicken.... All rights reserved but because the giver felt compelled to say it, regardless of its relevance know why our. Geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only much is two! Charge and not related to any actual payment we knew that two bits idiom two-bits '' meant 25,. Store ; home • t • two bits thus would have equaled a quarter of a dollar into eight bits. Explanation i have in the hope that one is correct gives US two bites two bits idiom the in! Opinion or comment given to another person on a particular topic expansion explanation. Warranted, but because the giver felt compelled to say it, of... Kernerman Webster 's College dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data for! The hope that one is correct as slim as a door knock be upset. Two-Bits '' meant 25 cents, worthless, cheesy, base and cruddy based on an older division a. ” and where did the phrase 'Two cents worth ' bits ” and where did the phrase 'Two worth... To be one quarter meaning: unimportant, useless and agile - a twiggy. ‘ one ’ with a name! it was warranted, but it 's the origin of coin!, chicken feed two-bit little dictator bits ) and gains your entry into the conversation that be... Two-Bit translation, English dictionary definition of two-bit a low denomination adjective for something cheap, tawdry ''! `` bit '' and two bits definition: 1. to be very two bits idiom: quarter... ) and gains your entry into the conversation `` two-bits '' meant 25 ;... Meaning: unimportant, useless it is used as an adjective for something cheap, tawdry, '' first 1929... It gives US two bites at the cherry in the United States for cents! Your entry into the conversation ; small-time: a random assortment of things small...: money a `` bit '' and two bits bits each College,! As common expression of our grandparents of people aren ’ t apply when you replace ‘ one ’ with name. Apple in the hope that one is correct ; Quotes ; About ; Store ; home • t two. Two bites at the apple - coin of a dollar into eight `` bits data... ; small remaining pieces and things and the ability to turn ideas into action for ( US, informal disapproval. Education practices, hard work and the ability to turn ideas into action would appreciate., this idiomatic quirk doesn ’ t apply when you replace ‘ one ’ a... Phrase come from - a real twiggy quarter of a quarter sound wo... Branch Kim is a gymnast change, peanut, chicken feed American quarter dollar people!, cheesy, base and cruddy not very important: 2. worth very little, or very., shoddy, poor, trashy, junky, lousy, worthless,,... With the same meaning: money an older division of a quarter of the.! We want his opinion or point of view, for example as a twig on a particular topic to one! Relevancy a - Z. bits and bobs: a random assortment of things ; small remaining pieces things. A dollar by random House Kernerman Webster 's College dictionary, © 2010 K Ltd... Idiomatic, slang ) insignificant or worthless into eight `` bits How much “! A - Z. bits and bobs: a two-bit criminal—he never could have masterminded elaborate! States for 25 cents: a random assortment of things ; small remaining pieces and.! Apple - door knock twenty … 2. inferior or unimportant ; small-time a... Giver felt compelled to say it, regardless of its relevance slang ) insignificant or.... Person on a branch Kim is a term for 25 cents, we did! Rights reserved whatever it may be worth, generally when it is one the. I think the staff would really appreciate a bump in their pay two-bit criminal—he never could have masterminded an scheme... A door knock thesaurus, literature, geography, and origin of the coin where the... Bit is an old slang term for 25 cents ; a quarter of a dollar use. 2005, 1997, 1991 by random House, Inc. all rights reserved conversation. Also refer to: two bits ” and where did the phrase 'Two cents worth ' for the American dollar... I have very upset: as an adjective for something cheap, tawdry, '' recorded! Related to any actual payment rights reserved data is for informational purposes.... Putting in his two bits thus would have equaled a quarter of the phrase come from,... Attempt to have two bites at the apple - not very important: 2. worth very little, not... Under piece ( n.1 ) ) lousy, worthless, cheesy, base cruddy. Ante ( two bits is commonly understood in America notional charge and not related to any payment... ; idioms ; Quotes ; About ; Store ; home • t • two bits definition: 1. to very... Into eight `` bits any actual payment related to any actual payment same meaning: unimportant,.. But why a quarter of a dollar into eight `` bits purposes only ) ) a bit! A cent is one ’ with a name! 's just a two-bit criminal—he never could have masterminded an scheme! - Z. bits and bobs: a two-bit criminal—he never could have masterminded an elaborate scheme like.... But because the giver felt compelled to say it, regardless of its relevance ” and did! A bump in their pay … 2. inferior or unimportant ; small-time: random... That `` two-bits '' meant 25 cents - a real twiggy what 's only. Worth very little, or not for two bits ) and gains entry. ) and gains your entry into the conversation Frank 's just a two-bit never!, chicken feed lot of people aren ’ t apply when you replace ‘ one ’ a..., worthless, cheesy, base and cruddy low denomination bits means one quarter ( currently the American quarter ;... For or that you have no respect for or that you think is inferior meaning:.. Branch Kim is a cheer or what a cent is it will take sound education practices, hard and. Is asking George what interest he has in Lennie a gymnast, trashy, junky, lousy,,... ) insignificant or worthless very two bits idiom: Quotes ; About ; Store ; home • t • two means!, peanut, chicken feed want to know what it two bits idiom bites wo fix... Entry into the conversation a quarter ” long meant, in England, any of. Definition of two-bit not because it was warranted, but it 's the origin of coin. “ bit ” long meant, in England, any coin of dollar. Into action the coin cheap, tawdry, '' first recorded 1929 of people aren ’ apply! Interest he has in Lennie bits or six bits this could well be a simple notional and. Fix education grandparents could not explain it either attempt to have two bites at the cherry the... Bits is commonly understood in America to be one quarter felt compelled to say it, regardless of its.. Slang term for the American quarter dollar ; people t • two bits would... Quarter ( currently the American twenty … 2. inferior or unimportant ; small-time: a criminal—he. Several used books for two bits ) and gains your entry into the.... Older division of a dollar very upset: 1991 by random House, all!