C-note meaning: What it really stands for and why it matters
When someone says C-note, a common American slang term for a one-hundred-dollar bill. Also known as a Benjamin, it's the most recognizable piece of paper money in everyday transactions. You’ve heard it in movies, on TV, maybe even in your own neighborhood—but do you know where it came from? The "C" isn’t for "cent" or "cash." It’s for the Roman numeral for 100, which is C. Back in the early 1900s, bank tellers and criminals alike started using "C-note" as a quick, coded way to say $100. It stuck because it was easy to say, hard to trace, and just sounded cool.
People use C-notes for everything—from tipping a bartender to buying a used couch on Craigslist. It’s the sweet spot between too small to be practical and too big to carry in bulk. Unlike a $50 or $20 bill, a C-note has weight. It’s the kind of money you hand over when you mean business. And while digital payments are rising, the C-note still holds its ground. You’ll find it in wallets, under mattress corners, and tucked into gift envelopes. It’s not just currency—it’s a symbol of value, trust, and sometimes, a little bit of risk.
Related terms like "Benjamin" (after Benjamin Franklin, whose face is on the bill) and "large" (as in "I need a couple of larges") are just as common. But "C-note" is the one that’s stood the test of time. It’s used by delivery drivers, bartenders, mechanics, and even grandmas who still prefer cash. And while you won’t find "C-note" in any official government document, you’ll find it in every corner of American life.
Below, you’ll find real posts that dig into the language of money, home value, and everyday objects that carry hidden meaning. From why a $20 bill has nicknames to how shelf ratings got called "monkey," these articles show how ordinary things get extraordinary names. You’ll learn what people really mean when they talk about money, storage, and even bathroom fixtures. No fluff. Just clear, useful insights from people who live with these terms every day.
