noun
Uncommon
benny
BEH-nee
Benny (noun) means slang for a tablet of amphetamine, historically Benzedrine. Example: “The old novel describes truckers popping bennies to stay awake.”
noun
1
Slang for a tablet of amphetamine, historically Benzedrine.
"The old novel describes truckers popping bennies to stay awake."
2
Informal British slang for a state benefit payment.
"He's been living off his benny since losing his job."
"She says her benny barely covers the rent each month."
"After the factory closed, he had to rely on his weekly benny."
name
1
An informal short form of Benjamin, or of Bernice or Bernadette.
"Everyone in the office knows him simply as Benny."
How to use benny
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMostly used today as a nickname, though it also has older, more niche slang meanings around amphetamines and welfare payments.
When to use it
The drug and benefits senses are informal slang, not standard usage.
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Word forms
- Plural
- bennies
- Third person singular
- bennies
- Past tense
- bennied
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He's been living off his _____ since losing his job.
Etymology
From ben(zedrine) plus the suffix -y, originally coined as slang for the stimulant drug.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for benny
See all rhymes for benny →Frequently asked questions
What does “benny” mean?
The word “benny” means slang for a tablet of amphetamine, historically Benzedrine. In plain terms, mostly used today as a nickname, though it also has older, more niche slang meanings around amphetamines and welfare payments.
How do you pronounce “benny”?
“Benny” is pronounced BEH-nee (/ˈbɛni/ in IPA).
How do you use “benny” in a sentence?
Here is “benny” used in a sentence: “He's been living off his benny since losing his job.”
What part of speech is “benny”?
Depending on how it is used, “benny” can be a noun and a name.
Is “benny” a common word?
“Benny” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “benny” have?
“Benny” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: slang for a tablet of amphetamine, historically Benzedrine.
What is the difference between the drug slang and benefit slang meanings of benny?
As drug slang, a benny refers to a tablet of amphetamine, historically Benzedrine, describing a physical pill. As informal British slang, benny instead refers to a state benefit payment, a completely unrelated financial meaning that depends heavily on regional and social context.
Is benny a formal or informal word?
Benny is informal slang in all of its non-name senses, whether referring to an amphetamine tablet or, in British usage, a benefit payment. It would not be appropriate in formal or written contexts outside of dialogue or informal speech.
What given names can benny be short for?
Benny is commonly used as an informal short form of Benjamin, and can also serve as a nickname for Bernice or Bernadette.
