Kopecks

/kəˈpɛks/ noun

Definition

Small coins that were used as money in Russia and the Soviet Union, worth a fraction of a ruble.

Etymology

From Russian kopéyka, derived from Turkic köpek meaning 'spear,' because early coins featured a mounted horseman with a spear. The term entered English during trade with Russia in the 16th century.

Kelly Says

It's wild that the word for a tiny coin comes from 'spear'—early Russian coins literally showed a knight with a spear, so people just started calling the coins 'spears.' Language often names things by their pictures!

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