
Sou
Historical Currency
The 'sou' was actual money used in old France; understand it like 'dime' in the US.
That antique vase costs a thousand sous, imagine that back then!
Metaphor for Poverty
Saying 'without a sou' implies a person is very poor, much like 'penniless'.
After the market crash, he was left without a sou.
Not Literal
Used metaphorically, 'not a sou' means no money at all, not specifically French coins.
He gambled away every last sou at the casino last night. Compare with
Unfortunate
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