money – WrookieSchU

It’s a little nod to Wayne’s World, but instead of ‘party time, excellent’ (if you are aware of the cult nineties classic) I will be diving into one WORD each day. It could be something I learned, something bizarre that happened, a favourite word that I have rediscovered or just a thought that won’t leave me alone.

If you’re joining in on today’s word, feel free to use this tag to connect your post to the series: #WaynesWord

Today’s word is SHRAPNEL.

Shrapnel usually makes you think of metal fragments from explosions or war, but in Northern Ireland it has a much more harmless meaning, it can mean “loose change” or money in the form of coins. If someone says, “Have you any shrapnel for the parking meter?” they’re not being dramatic, they’re just looking for a few coins that you may have in your pocket.

It’s one of those everyday words that slips into your vocabulary without you even noticing, until you stop and realise how strange it must sound to anyone else. I often forget these little Northern Irish expressions exist but then out of nowhere one pops out in conversation and surprises me. Have you ever heard of shrapnel meaning loose change or coins?

Thanks Di for this week’s questions. I haven’t participated in some time but these questions really resonated with me this week.

1. Can you remember your first wage packet?

I remember I was so excited to receive my first payslip when I was 16. I cannot remember the total but I remember the hourly rate being £3.30 an hour. I thought this was great at the time and I’m sure it was as I had nothing to pay for, no bills, rent etc.

2. Was it cash, a cheque or paid directly into your bank account?

It was paid directly into my bank account.

3. Do you prefer to shop with cash or card?

I much prefer to pay with card, it’s so much easier and much cleaner than having to touch money. In fact, I don’t even carry a bank card as I have it on my phone. I literally just carry my phone for everything, which is slightly worrying, if I lose my phone or it runs out of battery. That being said, I am going to actively try to use cash for small things like coffees, getting my hair cut etc as I have noticed that banks are charging a fee to use your phone / card and the shop assistant etc never tell you this. For example, a coffee here is about $4.50 but if I use my phone / card they charge an extra 30 cents. That soon adds up if you’re using your phone / card all the time. Plus I hate to think I am giving my hard earned cash to the banks!

4. Do you know the price of half a dozen eggs?

I don’t buy eggs very often as they had been very hard to get here in Australia for some time and they’re very expensive. I think half a dozen would be about $5 but I could be wrong. If I was to buy eggs, I would always buy a dozen which is normally about $8 or $9.

5. Have you ever kept chickens?

No but I would absolutely love to in the future!!! They are such quirky birds with lots of character and imagine having all those free eggs!!

Tag: money

Wayne’s Word – Shrapnel