Penny facts for kids
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A penny is a small coin used in several countries where English is spoken. In the United Kingdom, the plural of penny is pence. In Canada and the United States, the plural is pennies.
In the United States, a penny is worth one cent. In Canada, "penny" was a common nickname for their one-cent coin. Canada stopped making new pennies in 2012.
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The Penny in Culture and Sayings
Pennies are often part of popular sayings and beliefs.
Good Luck Pennies
Many people believe that finding a penny brings good luck. A well-known saying is: "Find a penny, pick it up, and all the day you'll have good luck." This idea has been around for a long time.
A Penny for Your Thoughts
If someone asks you "A penny for your thoughts," they want to know what you are thinking. This phrase is very old. It was first written down in a book in 1547. Back then, a penny was a valuable silver coin.
My Two Cents
In the United States, people sometimes say "my two cents" to share their opinion. This phrase uses the low value of a penny to suggest that their opinion might not be very important, even if it is. It is a humble and often funny way to share what you think.
Spending a Penny
In British English, to "spend a penny" means to use a public toilet. This phrase comes from a time when many public toilets cost one penny to use. The first coin-operated public toilet appeared in 1851 at the Great Exhibition. Later, some public toilets started charging two pence.
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