Technically speaking, back in the not-so-distant-past, you could send a postcard for a penny – so a penny for your thoughts usually meant sending a postcard. At the same time, it cost two cents to mail a letter. So putting your two cents in usually referred to writing a letter. Nowadays – it costs a whole lot more to do either!
Well, rats! That’s a really good answer, and I learned something new to boot! It certainly beats the smart alek-ey I was going to give about the second penny being there for interest, or something. Thanks, Lois.
LoisG Premium Member over 8 years ago
Technically speaking, back in the not-so-distant-past, you could send a postcard for a penny – so a penny for your thoughts usually meant sending a postcard. At the same time, it cost two cents to mail a letter. So putting your two cents in usually referred to writing a letter. Nowadays – it costs a whole lot more to do either!
jbarr68407 over 8 years ago
Well, rats! That’s a really good answer, and I learned something new to boot! It certainly beats the smart alek-ey I was going to give about the second penny being there for interest, or something. Thanks, Lois.
tstuarta1 over 8 years ago
The IRS gets the extra penny.
gammaguy over 8 years ago
The extra penny? That’s thoughtless actions.
Lamberger over 8 years ago
(Re: “A penny for your thoughts.”) Folk etomology, methinks….
And “(…) it costs nothing to send your thoughts (…).” TANSTAAFL….