What does sou mean?
A sou is a term with historical roots in France, originally referring to a bronze coin worth one twentieth of a franc. Today, it is often used to describe a very small amount of money or something of little value. The term can be used in a variety of contexts, including finance and everyday conversation. It is often used idiomatically to convey that something is insignificant or of little worth. The sou has largely fallen out of use as a unit of currency, but it remains a useful term for describing small or insignificant amounts. Understanding the term 'sou' can provide insight into the way people think about and use money in different contexts.
A unit of currency in France before the introduction of the euro.
"The sou was a bronze coin worth one twentieth of a franc."
This sense of 'sou' is primarily used in historical or technical contexts.
A small or insignificant amount of money.
"He wouldn't even break a sou for a beggar on the street."
This sense of 'sou' is often used idiomatically to convey that something is of little or no value.
The plural form 'sous' is sometimes used to refer to multiple small amounts of money.
"The charity collected many sous from generous donors."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of sou
The term 'sou' originates from the Latin 'solidus', a unit of currency in the Roman Empire. The solidus was later adopted into various European languages, including Old French as 'sol' or 'sou'. The sou was used as a unit of currency in France until the introduction of the euro in 2002. The term has since been used idiomatically to describe small or insignificant amounts of money.
Usage notes
The term 'sou' is often used idiomatically to convey that something is of little or no value. It can be used in a variety of contexts, including finance, economics, and everyday conversation.