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On this forum in General Issues, under the topic;

'I Really, Really, Really Want To Know!!!',

the phrase 10 bob is used.

Where does the phrase come from?

How did 10 Shillings, Half-a-Quid become 10 bob?

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Brummie Cabbie.

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The origin of the word 'bob' meaning Shilling is not known for sure, although the usage certainly dates back to the late 1700s. It is suggested in Brewer's 1870 Dictionary of Phrase and Fable in that 'bob' could be derived from 'Bawbee', which was 16-19th century slang for a half-penny, in turn derived from: French 'bas billon', meaning debased copper money (coins were commonly cut to make change); and/or the Laird of Sillabawby, a 16th century mintmaster. Perhaps there is also a connection with the church or bell-ringing since 'bob' meant a set of changes rung on the bells. This would be consistent with one of the possible origins and associations of the root of the word Shilling, (from Proto-Germanic 'skell' meaning to sound or ring). Also perhaps a connection with a plumb-bob; (the association with another heavy piece of metal), made of lead and used to mark a vertical position in certain trades, notably masons. 'Bob a nob', in the early 1800s meant 'a shilling a head', when estimating costs of meals, etc. In the 18th century 'bobstick' was a shillings-worth of gin. In parts of the US 'bob' was slang used for the US dollar coin.




The shilling was often known as a 'bob' as in 'Have you got a couple of bob you can lend me?'. The origin of this term is uncertain, although a 'bobe' was a French one-and-a-half denier coin of the 14th Century (the Oxford English Dictionary considers its survival in this way to be unlikely). There is also a possible connection with Sir Robert Walpole; it is speculation that the 'King's shilling' given to Army recruits may be the link here.

and before you ask...

A tanner? 6 pence/6d?

Some of the issues of George II were designed by John Sigismund Tanner, and the denomination was known as a tanner right up to decimalisation.

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Of all the things ive lost, i miss my mind the most

the wonderful thing is that, despite our wonderful EU, many things that "they" would prefer to be lost simply will not die a death, including...

lbs/stones
miles
gallons
pints
GBP £'s (under threat if mandy has his way)
calling police "coppers"

and so on

like it or not, we are British first and Europeans second, and till we start eating horses and frogs and sour cabbage and driving on the wrong side of the road, and the Flag of the Union is removed from our forces vehicles to be replaced by that ring of bloody stars, we shall stay BRITISH, anyone not liking it knows how to leave.....

"Cry 'God for Harry, England and Saint George!'"

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Of all the things ive lost, i miss my mind the most

I eat frogs and sour cabbage and I've been known to drive on the wrong side of the road too

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Note to self: Just because it pops into my head does NOT mean it should come out of my mouth!!

You meean you've never tried Bigos?

The best butt cheek warbler in the world!!!

_________________
Kind regards,

Brummie Cabbie.

Type a message, post your news,
Disagree with other members' views;
But please, do have some decorum,
When debating on the TDO Forum.

thanks...........but no thanks

and BTW, never ask for a hot dog in a Korean takeaway

_________________
Of all the things ive lost, i miss my mind the most

There's nothing wrong with Korean Sweet 'n Sour Chihuahua!!!

_________________
Kind regards,

Brummie Cabbie.

Type a message, post your news,
Disagree with other members' views;
But please, do have some decorum,
When debating on the TDO Forum.