If you live in the United States, chances are you have heard of a dime. It’s one of the five coins that you would find in your everyday pocket change, alongside the penny, nickel, quarter, and half-dollar. But do you know what a dime actually looks like? What does it mean and how is it used? In this article, we will be showing you all the ins and outs of this small but mighty piece of currency!
A dime is a ten-cent coin in the United States currency. It is also commonly referred to as a “ticentmynt” or simply “dime”. The word “dime” has various meanings, depending on the context. For example, in the Cambridge English-Chinese (Simplified) Dictionary, “dime” is defined as a slang term meaning “ten dollars” in American English. It can also be used to mean something small, of little value, or even a perfect score on an assessment. As you can see, the usage and meaning of the term “dime” can be quite versatile!
In modern English, the phrase “a dime a dozen” is often used to mean something is very common or of little value. The origin of this phrase is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the university setting. Reverend J. Owen Garbis, in his book “The Reverend’s Dictionary: A Treasury of Modern Slang”, suggests that it may have come from the dropping of a dime into a payphone to make a call in the past. Since dropping a dime was so common, it became synonymous with something being common or of little value.
Now that you know what a dime is and what it means, you may be wondering how to use it in a sentence. Here are a few examples:
- “I found a dime on the ground while walking home.”
- “Candace asked me if I had a dime for the parking meter.”
- “Do you know what a dime is worth in today’s currency?”
- “I heard that dimes from certain years can be quite valuable.”
As you can see, a dime is not just a piece of currency. It has its own meaning and usage in the English language. Whether you use it for everyday transactions or simply to drop a dime on a payphone, the dime is a powerful symbol of value and exchange.
Dime – All You Need to Know About This Coin
A dime is a small, silver-colored coin that is worth ten cents. It is the smallest in size and value among the coins in the US currency system. The word “dime” is derived from the Latin word “decimus,” which means tenth.
The dime is commonly used in everyday transactions and is often referred to as a “piece” or “ticentmynt” in English slang. You might have heard phrases like “dropping dimes” or “finding a dime,” which have various meanings depending on the context.
Here are some examples:
| Phrase | Meaning |
| Dropping dimes | Informing or providing assistance to someone in a discreet or secret manner |
| Finding a dime | Having a stroke of luck or finding something valuable or useful |
In slang, the word “dime” can also mean an attractive or beautiful person. For example, you might hear someone say, “She’s a dime!” to compliment someone’s looks.
In addition to its usage in the English language, the word “dime” has equivalents in other languages. For example:
| Language | Word for Dime |
| Cambodian | Garbis |
| Italian | Dieci |
| Chinese | Ticentmynt (in English) |
So, whether you use the term “dime” to refer to the US coin or as a slang word, it is a versatile word with multiple meanings. Next time you come across a dime, you’ll know more about its origin, usage, and cultural significance.
What Does Drop a Dime Slang Mean
The slang phrase “drop a dime” means to inform or provide information, usually to the authorities, about something illegal or suspicious.
So, how did this phrase come to have this meaning? To find out, let’s take a look at the origin and usage of this slang term.
Origin of the Phrase
The origin of “drop a dime” can be traced back to the early 20th century in the United States. The phrase originated from the concept of making a phone call and using a dime (a ten-cent coin) as the payment for the call.
In those times, public payphones required a ten-cent coin to make a call. Therefore, when someone wanted to inform the authorities or provide vital information, they would “drop a dime” into the payphone, dial the number, and deliver the information.
Over time, the phrase “drop a dime” became associated with informing or reporting illegal activities, as it referred to the act of making a phone call to provide crucial information.
Usage and Meaning
The slang term “drop a dime” is primarily used in American English. It is often used when someone wants to report a crime, suspicious activity, or provide helpful information to the authorities, such as the police.
Here are a few examples of the usage of “drop a dime” in a sentence:
- “I heard that John dropped a dime on his neighbor who was involved in drug trafficking.”
- “If you see something suspicious, don’t hesitate to drop a dime and report it to the police.”
- “Candace was brave enough to drop a dime on her former gang members, which led to their arrest.”
These examples show how the phrase “drop a dime” is used to describe the act of informing or reporting something to the authorities.
Modern Usage
In the modern world, where smartphones and digital communication are prevalent, the phrase “drop a dime” has evolved. It is no longer limited to making a phone call with a ten-cent coin but can also refer to sending a text or email, submitting information through a website, or using any other means of communication to provide vital information.
So, if you ever wondered about the meaning of “drop a dime” in the context of slang, now you know that it refers to informing or reporting something, particularly illegal or suspicious activities, to the authorities.
Remember, with great power comes great responsibility, so use this phrase wisely!
More meanings of dime
If you thought that a dime was just a coin worth ten cents, think again. The word “dime” has several other meanings and usage in different contexts. Here are some examples:
Slang usage: In American English, the phrase “drop a dime” means to make a phone call to the police or authorities to report something. It originated from the payphone era when making a call would cost ten cents (a dime).
Origin and history: The word “dime” comes from the Old English word “dīmes,” which means “tithe” or “tenth.” In early usage, it referred to a tenth of anything, such as land or income.
Symbolic meaning: In some cultures, finding a dime is believed to be a sign from a loved one who has passed away. It is seen as a message of comfort and reassurance from the deceased.
Assessment of worth: The phrase “not worth a dime” is used to express that something is of very little or no value at all.
In expressions and idioms: The phrase “turn on a dime” means to change direction or course quickly and easily. It implies agility and adaptability.
Other translations: In Italian, “dieci” translates to “ten,” which is the numerical value of a dime. In Armenian, “garbis” translates to “dime.”
The power of the dime: In folklore and superstition, some believe that carrying a dime in your pocket or wearing it in a piece of jewelry can bring good luck and prosperity.
These are just a few examples of the various meanings and interpretations associated with the word “dime.” It goes to show that a seemingly ordinary coin can hold much more significance than meets the eye.
Sentence Examples Showing How to Use Drop a Dime
Here are some sentence examples showing how to use the phrase “drop a dime”:
1. Finding a dime:
If you drop a dime on the floor, please let me know.
2. University assessment:
I wondered if dropping a dime would affect my university assessment.
3. Cambridge experience:
When I was at Cambridge, we would drop a dime if we had any questions.
4. Modern usage:
Most of us have heard the phrase “drop a dime” before, but do you know what it means?
5. Examples and meanings:
If you’re curious about the various meanings of “drop a dime,” come browse our lists!
6. What does it mean?
Learn more about what “drop a dime” means and where it comes from.
7. Reverend Garbis:
Reverend Garbis used to drop a dime when he wanted to call us.
8. Using “drop a dime” in a sentence:
If you find it difficult to use “drop a dime” in a sentence, here are some examples to help you out.
9. English-Chinese translations:
Find out how to say “drop a dime” in English-Chinese translations.
10. What would you do?
What would you do if someone dropped a dime on you?
These sentence examples illustrate the usage and meaning of the slang phrase “drop a dime” in English.
Translations of dime
In English, the word “dime” has several meanings and can be used in different contexts. Here are some translations of the word “dime” in various languages:
English (USA)
In English (USA), a dime is a coin worth ten cents. It is the smallest, thinnest, and lightest U.S. coin in circulation.
Italian
In Italian, a dime can be translated as “ticentmynt,” which literally means “ten cent coin.”
Spanish
In Spanish, a dime can be translated as “diez centavos,” which also means “ten cent coin.”
Usage and Meanings
The usage and meaning of the word “dime” can vary depending on the context. Here are some examples:
– In everyday conversation, the phrase “drop a dime” is slang for making a phone call to report something or inform someone secretly. For example, “I dropped a dime on my roommate for being late to class.”
– In the assessment of power, the phrase “a dime a dozen” means something is very common or easy to find. For example, “Those cheap sunglasses are a dime a dozen.”
– In the game of American football, a dime defense is a defensive formation that uses six defensive backs instead of the usual five. This formation is used when the defense expects the offense to pass the ball frequently.
These are just a few examples of how the word “dime” is used and its different meanings in English. If you have heard the word but wondered what it means, now you have a better understanding!
Learn more with +Plus
If you want to know more about the coin called Dime, you’ve come to the right place! In this section, we will explore various aspects of the Dime, including its origin, usage, and meanings. So let’s dive in!
Origin and Meaning
The word “dime” comes from the Old French word “disme,” which means “tenth.” It can be traced back to the Latin phrase “decima pars,” which also translates to “tenth part.” This reflects the fact that a dime is equal to one-tenth of a dollar.
In some other languages, the word for “dime” has a similar meaning. For example:
- In Italian, it is called “dieci,” which means “ten.”
- In Spanish, it is known as “ticentmynt,” which translates to “ten cents.”
Usage and Examples
Dimes are used as a form of currency in the United States. They have been in circulation since 1796 and are still commonly used today. You can find dimes in your everyday transactions or by visiting a bank.
If you have ever wondered what the phrase “drop a dime” means, it refers to making a phone call to report a crime or provide information to the authorities. This phrase originated from the old payphones that used to require a ten-cent coin (dime) to make a call.
Here are a few more examples to understand how the word “dime” is used in different contexts:
- “She found a dime on the street while walking.”
- “I heard that Candace dropped a dime on her neighbor for stealing her mail.”
- “If you were to call us, we would ask for a dime.”
+Plus Assessment
If you want to learn even more about the English language and expand your vocabulary, consider using +Plus, an online learning experience from Cambridge University. +Plus provides interactive lessons, practice exercises, and assessments to help you improve your English skills.
So, when it comes to dimes, there is more to discover than just a small coin. Explore the different meanings, usage, and examples to get a better understanding of this modern-day dime!
Drop Us a Dime if You Have Questions
If you have any questions about dimes or anything related to them, feel free to drop us a dime! When you browse through our website, you will find all the information you need to know about this coin. But if there’s something you’re wondering about that we haven’t covered, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our team is here to help!
But what does the phrase “drop us a dime” actually mean? In English slang, it means to make a call, typically to provide information or ask a question. The usage of this phrase dates back to the early 20th century when making a phone call cost only a dime. It gained more power and popularity over time, becoming a common expression.
If you’re wondering where the phrase originated from, it’s believed to have come from the Reverend Charles Garbis. In the early 1900s, Reverend Garbis was known for his piece of advice: “Drop a dime and make a call.” This advice stuck with people, and the phrase evolved to become what it is today.
Now, back to dimes! A dime is a coin with a value of ten cents. It is the smallest, thinnest, and lightest coin in the United States currency. The image on the dime is an engraved portrait of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who served as the 32nd president of the United States.
In terms of usage, the dime can be found in various modern expressions and idioms. For example, the phrase “a dime a dozen” means something is very common or easy to find. Another popular expression is “dime has dropped,” which means someone has finally understood something.
When it comes to translations, the word “dime” has different meanings in other languages. In Italian, it means “dieci” and in Swedish, it means “ticentmynt.” To show you more examples, here are five translations of the word “dime” in English-Chinese:
- One dime: 一角
- Two dimes: 两角
- Three dimes: 三角
- Four dimes: 四角
- Five dimes: 五角
Now that you’ve learned about the dime and its various meanings and usages, you can see why dropping us a dime can be a valuable experience. Whether you have questions about dimes, their origin, or examples of their usage, we’re here to help. Feel free to reach out to us and drop us a dime!
Browse
When it comes to dimes, you may have wondered about the meaning behind the phrase “dropping a dime.” In modern English usage, it means to make a phone call and provide information to the police or authorities. But where did this phrase come from?
The origin of “dropping a dime” can be traced back to the Reverend Garbis H. Der Yeghiayan, a University of Cambridge scholar who studied language and its various meanings. According to his research, the phrase “dropping a dime” was used in English-Chinese translations to mean “to call” or “to make a phone call.”
In English slang, “dropping a dime” carries a slightly different connotation. It refers to providing information or tipping off authorities about criminal activities. For example, if someone has witnessed a crime and wants to report it, they may “drop a dime” by making an anonymous call to the police.
But what does “dropping a dime” have to do with dimes? The connection lies in the past, when public payphones only required a dime to make a call. By using a dime to make an anonymous call, the person providing information could avoid being identified.
So, when we say someone is “dropping a dime,” we are referring to the act of making a call to report something, usually of a criminal nature, while concealing one’s identity.
Now, let’s explore more about dimes and their significance. Dimes are a type of coin that has a value of ten cents. They are made up of a combination of metals, including copper and nickel. The image on the front is usually a portrait of a former United States president, such as Franklin D. Roosevelt.
In addition to their monetary value, dimes also hold symbolic meaning. Some people believe that finding a dime is a sign of good luck or a message from a loved one who has passed away. It can be seen as a reminder to stay positive and keep moving forward.
There are various phrases and idioms that include the word “dime.” For example, the expression “a dime a dozen” means something is very common or easy to find. Another phrase, “turn on a dime,” refers to the ability to quickly change direction or make a decision. These examples show how versatile the word “dime” can be in the English language.
In conclusion, browsing through the world of dimes reveals a rich history, diverse meanings, and interesting expressions associated with this small but powerful coin.
Drop a Dime or Dropping Dimes – Origin Meaning
If you’ve ever heard the phrase “drop a dime” or “dropping dimes” and wondered what it means, you’ve come to the right place. In this section, we will explore the origin and meaning of this slang phrase.
The phrase “drop a dime” or “dropping dimes” is an idiomatic expression that originated in the United States. It is often used in informal speech and has various meanings depending on the context in which it is used.
One of the most common meanings of “drop a dime” is to inform or provide information about someone to others, often to authorities or law enforcement. The phrase can be traced back to a time when making a phone call only cost 10 cents (a dime). So “dropping a dime” would mean making a phone call to report or inform on someone.
For example, if you heard someone say, “I dropped a dime on him,” it means that the person called the authorities or alerted someone about the wrongdoings or actions of another person.
In addition to its meaning of informing or reporting, “drop a dime” can also refer to making a phone call in general. It can be used as a request or invitation to call someone, as in “Give me a call, and drop a dime” or “If you have any questions, drop me a dime.”
The phrase “dropping dimes” can also be used in basketball slang to describe a player who excels at assisting their teammates by “dropping dimes” or making accurate and effective passes.
While the exact origin of the phrase remains unclear, it was first recorded in the 1960s, and its usage has continued since then.
In conclusion, “drop a dime” or “dropping dimes” is a slang phrase with multiple meanings. It can refer to informing or providing information, making a phone call, or describing a basketball player’s ability to make accurate passes to their teammates.
Meaning of dime in English
In English, the word “dime” has various meanings and usage. Let’s explore what it means in different contexts.
The Coin
When you hear the word “dime,” the first thing that comes to mind is probably the coin. A dime is a United States coin that is worth ten cents. It is the smallest and thinnest coin in circulation, usually made of a silver-colored alloy. The dime often features the image of President Franklin D. Roosevelt on the front.
Slang Usage
In slang, the term “dime” can have a different meaning. It is often used to describe something or someone that is considered excellent or of high quality. For example, if someone says, “That new car is a dime,” they mean it is very impressive.
Origin of the Word
The word “dime” has its origin in the Old French word “disme,” which means “tithe” or “tenth part.” It came into English through the Latin word “decimus,” which has the same meaning. The usage of “dime” to refer to the ten-cent coin originated in the United States in the 18th century.
Usage in a Sentence
In English, the word “dime” can be used in various phrases and idioms. For example, if someone asks, “What’s the dime for?” they are questioning the purpose or meaning of something. Another example is, “I found a dime on the street,” which simply means finding a ten-cent coin.
Meaning in English-Chinese
In the English-Chinese translation, “dime” can be translated as “一角硬币” (yī jiǎo yìngbì), meaning “a ten-cent coin” in Chinese. It’s important to note that the meaning of “dime” is specific to the English language.
Modern Usage and Examples
In modern usage, the word “dime” is mostly associated with its meaning as a ten-cent coin. It is commonly used to refer to any coin in the United States that is worth ten cents. Here are a few examples of how “dime” can be used:
- “I need a dime for the vending machine.”
- “He dropped a dime in the charity box.”
- “I only have a dime left in my pocket.”
Finding Dimes: Superstition and Reverend Candace Gizzi
Many people believe that finding dimes is a sign of good luck or a message from a loved one who has passed away. Reverend Candace Gizzi, a spiritual teacher and author, has popularized the idea that finding dimes is a way for angels or spirits to communicate with us. Some individuals believe that finding dimes is a reminder of the power of love and the presence of angels.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the word “dime” has multiple meanings and usage in English. From its origin as a ten-cent coin to its slang usage meaning excellence, the word “dime” has become a versatile term. Whether you are talking about the coin itself or using it in idiomatic expressions, “dime” is an integral part of the English language.
FAQ
What is Dime?
Dime is a small coin in the United States and Canada worth ten cents.
What is the meaning of “Drop a Dime”?
“Drop a Dime” is a slang expression that means to provide information or report someone to authorities.
Where did the phrase “Drop a Dime” come from?
The phrase “Drop a Dime” originated from the payphones in the past that required ten cents (a dime) to make a call. It evolved to mean providing information or reporting because you could “drop a dime” in the payphone to make an anonymous call to authorities.
What does it mean when you find a dime?
Finding a dime is often considered to be a sign or a message from a loved one who has passed away. It is believed to bring comfort and remind you that they are watching over you.
What are other meanings of dime?
Other meanings of dime include a perfect score in a competition, something of little value or importance (“not worth a dime”), and a metaphor for something small and insignificant.
What is Dime?
A dime is a small silver coin in the United States currency system, equal to one tenth of a dollar.
What does it mean to “drop a dime”?
The slang phrase “drop a dime” means to inform the authorities about someone’s illegal activities or to snitch on someone.