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shrapnel
What does shrapnel mean?
Slang for an annoying pocketful of small change.
"My pockets are full of shrapnel and no notes."
Origin
UK and Australian slang; in Australia inherited from the one- and two-cent coins abolished in 1996.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'shrapnel' mean as slang?
It refers to a pocketful of loose, low-value coins — the kind of small change that weighs you down but isn't worth much.
Where does the money slang 'shrapnel' come from?
It's UK and Australian slang. In Australia it's tied to the one- and two-cent coins that were abolished in 1996, leaving people with jingling near-worthless change.
How do you use 'shrapnel' in a sentence?
Use it for a heap of coins with no notes, e.g. 'My pockets are full of shrapnel and no notes.'
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