Two Bob

History and definitions through time:

Two Bob was an expression for two shillings. Currency changed dramatically in The UK changed in the 1970s. Prior to that a £ was 20 shillings. Shillings are no longer made. Historically shillings were made from silver and use of the coin began after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.

It was an incredibly antiquated denomination when the British monetary system was overhauled and the reference to two shillings had become derogatory by the time the currency stopped being produced.

The expression “Two Bob” is used iften used in period dramas and comedies, for example “I gave two bob to the driver;” is something one might here someone say this on Downtown Abbey or All Creature’s Great and Small.

By the end of WW1, it was starting to be used as a insult or derogatory expression. The derogatory meaning grew after WW2, with the collapse of the British Empire.

Since there is no practical use for the expression and it indicated a very small sum for the century prior to its discontinuation in the UK as well parts of the commonwealth, the expression became derogatory.

Now “Two Bob” generally refers to a cheaply made item or a person someone feels is essentially worthless.

“You’re not worth Two Bob”

Two Bob was two shillings

I gave the driver two Bob

You’re a bloody waste, not worth two Bob

by Peasblossom March 11, 2022

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