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Introduction to Penny

New Delhi: In our daily conversations we often hear the phrase, “I won’t give him even a penny” or “He doesn’t even have a penny.” This idiom is still popular today, but very few people know about its origin and actual meaning.

history of cowry

In ancient times, when coins were not in circulation, cowries were used as currency in many places. Cowrie was a small conical shell, which was used in transactions.

At that time the cowry had a fixed price, and people made small purchases using it. If a cowry was broken or cracked, it was called ‘footy cowry’, which had no value in the market.

ancient currency system

The currency system at that time was completely different from what it is today. A larger amount was created by combining smaller units. Starting from cowry, accounts were taken up to damdi, dhela, pai, paisa, anna and finally rupees. Thus, the cowrie was considered the smallest and least valuable unit.

origin of idiom

Since the penny had the lowest value, when someone had ‘not even a penny’, it meant that he had no money at all. At the same time, “not giving even a penny” means not giving even the smallest thing of yours to anyone.

Similarly, idioms like “do kaudi ka insaan” are also to this currency system, which are used to describe someone who is not considered worthy of respect or importance.

current importance of idiom

Although cowries are no longer used as currency today, the idioms associated with them are still an important part of our language. That is why this age-old heritage is still alive in people’s conversations and makes the language interesting.