penny ante

¹

noun

1. Cards. a game of poker in which the ante or basic bet is one cent.
2. Informal. any business arrangement or transaction involving a trifling or paltry sum of money.

penny-ante

²

[ pen-ee-an-tee ]

adjective

, Informal.

1. involving a trifling sum of money; small in amount:

   a penny-ante investment.

2. inconsiderable; minor; small-time.

Word History and Origins

Origin of penny ante¹

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55

Origin of penny ante²

An Americanism dating back to 1930–35

Example Sentences

These attacks on schools and teachers aren't just penny ante culture war politics meant to rile up the base for the next election.

From Salon

“It’s a good symbol of penny ante government intrusion, like being nickeled and dimed.”

From Seattle Times

The example of this article deals with lobsters - pretty penny ante stuff - but the principles apply to all trade.

From New York Times

The Watergate investigation took two years, and it was of a penny ante burglary down the street from the White House.

From New York Times

Why the penny ante murder of a barely there town’s city manager and a legendarily botched arrest would seem the right platforms from which to launch one’s gubernatorial bid is confusing.

From New York Times

Related Words

• poker
• roulette