BAD PENNY Meaning and
Definition
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A "bad penny" refers to an individual who continuously reappears or resurfaces undesirably, despite efforts to avoid or get rid of them. This idiom is derived from the historical connotation of the term "penny," which is a unit of currency in several countries. The phrase was popularized in English during the 18th and 19th centuries, when pennies were made of copper and tended to become worn or damaged easily, making them less valuable. A "bad penny" therefore refers to a counterfeit or damaged coin that keeps circulating and returning even after being discarded.
Metaphorically, calling someone a "bad penny" implies that they are troublesome or unwelcome, constantly showing up in situations or places where they are not wanted. It highlights the persistent nature of an unwanted person or thing, despite attempts to eliminate or dismiss them. This phrase portrays a sense of annoyance or frustration towards the subject, as their recurrence creates an ongoing inconvenience or disruption.
The term "bad penny" can also be used more generally to describe any object, idea, or circumstance that reoccurs in an unfavorable or problematic manner. It emphasizes the negative connotation associated with their presence and underlines the difficulty in permanently getting rid of or escaping them.
Common Misspellings for BAD PENNY
- vad penny
- nad penny
- had penny
- gad penny
- bzd penny
- bsd penny
- bwd penny
- bqd penny
- bas penny
- bax penny
- bac penny
- baf penny
- bar penny
- bae penny
- bad oenny
- bad lenny
- bad 0enny
- bad pwnny
- bad psnny
- bad pdnny
Etymology of BAD PENNY
The phrase "bad penny" originated in England and dates back to the 18th century. The term "penny" refers to a British coin, as the phrase originally referred to a counterfeit coin. It was believed that a counterfeit coin, despite being rejected when attempted to be spent, would keep reappearing in circulation, hence the term "bad penny". Over time, the phrase evolved to describe a person who continuously shows up or returns, often bringing trouble or inconvenience with them.
Idioms with the word BAD PENNY
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a bad penny always turns up
The idiom "a bad penny always turns up" means that a disreputable or unwelcome person or thing will always reappear or return, even if they are unwanted or have been gotten rid of before.
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turn up like a bad penny
The idiom "turn up like a bad penny" means to reappear unexpectedly, especially after having been unwanted or thought to have been gotten rid of.
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a bad penny
The phrase "a bad penny" refers to a person who is dishonest, untrustworthy, or generally unpleasant. It is often used to describe someone who keeps reappearing or causing trouble despite efforts to get rid of them.
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bad penny
The idiom "bad penny" refers to a person or thing that continually resurfaces or returns, often causing trouble or problems.
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bad penny always turns up
This idiom means that a person or thing with a negative or undesirable reputation or history will always reappear or return, no matter how many times they are gotten rid of or rejected.
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