Didn’t Have Two Nickels to Rub Together

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "didn’t have two nickels to rub together" means being very poor or broke. It’s a colorful way of saying someone had almost no money at all.

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Hillbilly Dude Says...

I've heard 'didn’t have two nickels to rub together,' but I never heard it growin' up. So I think it may be regional.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I've heard 'didn’t have two nickels to rub together,' but I never heard it growin' up. So I think it may be regional.

Pronunciation

[nik-uhlz]

Meaning & Usage

- To be broke (verb phrase)

John:

I’d love to go fishin’ this weekend, but I don’t have two nickels to rub together.

- To live in poverty or with very little money (verb phrase, figurative)

Granny:

Back in the Depression, we didn’t have two nickels to rub together.

variations: don’t have two nickels to rub together, ain't got two nickels to rub together

★ This phrase is usually used in a sympathetic or storytelling way, not as a sharp insult. It paints a picture of scarcity while keeping it light and folksy. ★

Origin and Etymology

Likely from the early 20th century, when nickels still held more value. The image of "rubbing" two coins together highlights how rare even a little spare change could be.

Usage Notes

Heard throughout the South and Appalachia, but also recognized across the U.S. It has an old-time, Depression-era feel and is most often used in storytelling.

Say It Like a Southerner

Said plain: "didn’t have two nickels to rub together." Sometimes shortened to just "ain’t got two nickels."

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Does it always mean literally no money?

No - it’s often exaggeration to mean "very little money."

Is it still used today?

Yes - especially among older generations or in country talk.

Why nickels?

They’re common, low-value coins - so if you don’t even have two of them, you’re really broke.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 9). Didn’t Have Two Nickels to Rub Together. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/didnt-have-two-nickels-to-rub-together
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Didn’t Have Two Nickels to Rub Together." HillbillySlang.com, 9 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/didnt-have-two-nickels-to-rub-together.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Didn’t Have Two Nickels to Rub Together." HillbillySlang.com. September 9, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/didnt-have-two-nickels-to-rub-together.