Sou

usgb/suː/
noun

A former French coin of low value.

Without a sou to my name, I had to beg for meals.
Visual representation of "sou" - A former French coin of low value

Often appears as...

  • not a sou
  • earn a sou

Usage tips

Historical

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "sou"
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Historical Currency

The 'sou' was actual money used in old France; understand it like 'dime' in the US.

Illustration for Historical Currency
That antique vase costs a thousand sous, imagine that back then!
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Metaphor for Poverty

Saying 'without a sou' implies a person is very poor, much like 'penniless'.

Illustration for Metaphor for Poverty
After the market crash, he was left without a sou.
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Not Literal

Used metaphorically, 'not a sou' means no money at all, not specifically French coins.

Illustration for Not Literal
He gambled away every last sou at the casino last night.
Visual representation of the word "Sou"

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