| 词源 |
two bits. Bit was British slang for money or any small coin (a threepenny bit, etc.) as far back as the early 16th century. In U. S. regions bordering on Mexico the term was applied to the Mexican real, worth 121⁄2 cents and called a shilling in many eastern states. By 1730 the expression two bits, two Mexican re- ales, or 25 cents, was being used in the American Southwest and for many years quarter was practically unknown there. Two bits became popular throughout the country, as did the ex- pression not worth two bits, “practically worthless,” but four bits and six bits never caught on nationally. |