Queer as a nine bob note

Definitions

• odd or strange
  Describing someone or something as unusual or peculiar

• fake or counterfeit
  Referring to something that is not genuine or authentic

Examples of Queer as a nine bob note

• The new dance craze that has taken the world by storm seems queer as a nine bob note to me.

  In this example, "queer" is being used as an old-fashioned word to describe something strange or unusual. The phrase "nine bob note" was a British slang term from the early 20th century that referred to a one-shilling note (worth about five pence in today's currency). In this case, the speaker is saying that the new dance craze seems very strange or unusual, just as a nine bob note would have seemed odd because of its high value for such a small denomination.

• The idea of going on a blind date seems queer as a nine bob note to me, but I'll give it a try.

  Again, "queer" is being used to mean strange or unusual. In this example, the speaker is expressing some reservations about going on a blind date, perhaps because they are hesitant about meeting a complete stranger. However, they are willing to give it a try despite their initial discomfort.

• I can't believe how popular that band is. They're queer as a nine bob note to me, but I guess that's just a sign of the times.

  Here, "queer" is being used to describe something that is unusual or unexpected. In this instance, the speaker is expressing surprise at the sudden success of a band, even though they may not personally be a fan. They're acknowledging that tastes and trends can change quickly, and that what seems queer now may become popular in the future.

• The way she dressed for the interview was queer as a nine bob note, but it worked in her favor.

  Finally, "queer" is being used to mean unique or unconventional. In this example, the speaker is describing how the interviewee's style of dress was surprising, perhaps because it was not typical for that particular job or industry. However, the speaker is acknowledging that the unconventional approach seemed to pay off, perhaps because it helped the interviewee stand out from the crowd.

• The roommate's behavior after quitting his job and breaking up with his girlfriend was queer as a nine bob note.

  This idiom is used here to describe the sudden and unexpected change in the roommate's personality that seemed strange and unusual, as if he had become weird and unpredictable like a nine bob note, which was considered an obsolete and worthless currency note in the past.

• The weather forecast for the upcoming week is queer as a nine bob note, with unpredictable changes ranging from heavy rain to scorching heat.

  This idiom is used here to describe the unpredictability of the weather that seems odd and unusual, as if it has become peculiar and bizarre like a nine bob note, which was once a common but now outdated and worthless currency note in the past.

• The scientific experiment that yielded different results than expected was queer as a nine bob note.

  This idiom is used here to describe the unexpected and unusual outcome of the experiment that seemed strange and peculiar, as if it had become odd and uncommon like a nine bob note, which was considered an outdated and worthless currency note in the past.

• The love life of my friend, who has been single for years, suddenly became queer as a nine bob note, with multiple potential partners at once.

  This idiom is used here to describe the sudden and unexpected change in my friend's love life that seemed unusual and strange, as if it had become peculiar and bizarre like a nine bob note, which was once a common but now outdated and worthless currency note in the past.

Conclusion

The idiom "queer as a nine bob note" is used to describe something or someone as odd, strange, fake, or counterfeit. It is often used in informal language to express disbelief or suspicion about a particular situation or person.

Origin of "Queer as a nine bob note"

The origin of the idiom "queer as a nine bob note" can be traced back to the British slang term "queer," which has been used since the late 19th century to mean strange or odd. The addition of "nine bob note" refers to a non-existent or counterfeit banknote, as nine bob or nine shillings was not a standard denomination in British currency. Therefore, the phrase "queer as a nine bob note" implies that something is as fake or unusual as a non-existent or counterfeit banknote. This idiomatic expression has been used in British English for decades and has become a colorful way to describe something as odd or fake.

Examples:

• The new employee's behavior was as queer as a nine bob note.
• The painting looked queer as a nine bob note, so I had it checked for authenticity.