TWO CENT Meaning and
Definition
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Two cent, also written as "twocent" or "two-cents," is a colloquial expression originating from the United States, primarily during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It refers to a small, often unsolicited, opinion or commentary on a matter, typically one that is considered trivial or insignificant. The term is derived from the idea that the opinion being offered is only worth two cents, therefore carrying little weight or importance.
The phrase "two cent" has its roots in the era when a postage stamp in the United States cost two cents. At a time when letter writing was a common form of communication, individuals often took advantage of the back of the envelope (known as the "envelope back") to express their opinions on various topics. These brief, unrequested comments were often dismissed as inconsequential, leading to the popularization of the term "two cent" as a way to describe trivial thoughts or observations.
Over time, the expression "two cent" has expanded beyond its connection to letter writing and has come to represent any unsolicited, low-value opinion. It is commonly used in everyday language to convey a feeling of dismissiveness or insignificance towards a particular viewpoint or comment.
Etymology of TWO CENT
The phrase "two cent" does not have a specific etymology as it is simply a combination of the number "two" and the word "cent". "Two cent" is typically used to describe something of little value or importance, indicating that it is worth only two cents.
