[Vocabulary] One even

Status
Not open for further replies.
G

gamboler

Member
Joined
Nov 23, 2010
Member Type
Student or Learner
Native Language
Spanish
Home Country
Spain
Current Location
Spain
I have found this expression in the dialogues of an American movie made in the fifities:

Bartender: What would you like to drink?
Customer: A Rye on the rocks, please.
Bartender: Sure.
Customer: How much is it?
Bartender: One even.

I guess that "one even" means "exactly one dollar", but I am not sure. Is it still used nowadays or is it better to say "just one dollar" in this context?
 
G

GoesStation

No Longer With Us
Joined
Dec 22, 2015
Member Type
Interested in Language
Native Language
American English
Home Country
United States
Current Location
United States
Your guess is right. The expression is still used, but I think one dollar is more common - though you're not likely to find a a shot of whiskey for a dollar very often anymore!

Dialogue is singular in this usage.
 
T

Tdol

Editor, UsingEnglish.com
Staff member
Joined
Nov 13, 2002
Member Type
Native Language
British English
Home Country
UK
Current Location
Japan
It isn't used in the UK for one pound- at least, I have never heard it there.
 
R

Rover_KE

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jun 20, 2010
Member Type
Retired English Teacher
Native Language
English
Home Country
England
Current Location
England
I've only heard it in AE, and especially when the prices of a number of items are being added up.

'Your total is an even 13 dollars.'
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top