four bits

noun

, Slang.

1. 50 cents.

Other Words From

• four-bit adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of four bits¹

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40

Example Sentences

League bean-counter, penciling out the unsportsmanlike-conduct tally: “Two bits, four bits, six bits … $12,875.”

From Seattle Times

And those four bits of news were just recently.

From The Verge

His “Two bits, four bits, six bits a dollar … all for the Gators, stand up and holler!” routine took hold, and he quickly became a well-known figure at games.

From Seattle Times

His “Two bits, four bits, six bits a dollar … all for the Gators, stand up and holler!” routine took hold, and he quickly became a well-known figure at games.

From Washington Times

Four bits of a broken doll: one blue eye and half an eyebrow, a bit with a curl of black hair attached, an ear, and a hand with perfect tiny fingernails;

From Literature