PhrasesHub

As queer as a nine bob note

    Definitions

      • unusual or strange
        Describing something or someone as strange, odd, or unconventional. This can be in terms of appearance, behavior, or overall nature.

      • suspicious or questionable
        Expressing doubt or uncertainty about the legitimacy or truthfulness of something. Often used when referring to a situation or statement that seems fishy or not quite right.

      • fake or counterfeit
        Implying that something is not genuine or authentic. This can refer to items such as money, documents, or even people. It suggests that the object or person is not what it appears to be.

      • foolish or ridiculous
        Indicating that something or someone is silly, foolish, or laughable. This can be used in a playful or mocking manner to poke fun at something that is considered absurd or nonsensical.

    Examples of As queer as a nine bob note


      Conclusion

      The idiom "as queer as a nine bob note" has a variety of meanings, but they all share a common theme of something being odd, suspicious, or not quite right. It is often used in a playful or humorous way, but can also be used to express genuine concern or doubt.

      This idiom can be used in a wide range of contexts, from describing a person's behavior to questioning the authenticity of an object or situation. It can be used in both formal and informal settings, and is commonly used in British English.

      Origin of "As queer as a nine bob note"

      The origin of this idiom is believed to be from the British currency system in the early 1900s. At that time, the British pound was divided into 20 shillings, with each shilling being worth 12 pence. However, there was never a nine shilling note in circulation, making the idea of a "nine bob note" seem odd or unusual.

      Over time, this phrase evolved to become a popular idiom used to describe anything that seems strange or questionable. Some also believe that the term "queer" in this idiom may have originated from the old English word "quer," meaning "twisted" or "crooked."

      Regardless of its exact origins, the idiom "as queer as a nine bob note" remains a widely used phrase in the English language. Its colorful and versatile nature allows it to be used in a variety of situations, making it a valuable addition to anyone's vocabulary.