red cent

noun

, Informal.

1. a cent, as representative of triviality:

   His promise isn't worth a red cent.

red cent

noun

1. informal.
   used with a negative a cent considered as a trivial amount of money (esp in the phrases not have a red cent , not worth a red cent , etc)

Word History and Origins

Origin of red cent¹

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40

Idioms and Phrases

see under not worth a dime .

Example Sentences

Seems like ol' folks allus lays by for the funeral, but that's every red cent they got.

From Project Gutenberg

But only look at it, grandpa, said the child; seeits only a red cent.

From Project Gutenberg

What can she do with that, I should like to know?one red cent!Absurd!

From Project Gutenberg

O because I didnt want to quit the baker, I suppose, said the red cent.

From Project Gutenberg

Never in my life have I felt so grieved at being only a red cent, as then.

From Project Gutenberg