What Is a $20 Bill Called?

When you pull out a $20 bill, a U.S. paper note worth twenty dollars, commonly used in everyday transactions. Also known as a twenty-dollar note, it’s one of the most frequently used bills in circulation—right after the $1 and $10. Most people just call it a ‘twenty,’ but if you’ve ever heard someone say ‘a Jackson’ or ‘a double sawbuck,’ they’re using slang. The $20 bill features Andrew Jackson, the seventh U.S. president, which is why ‘Jackson’ stuck as a nickname. It’s not just a piece of paper—it’s a piece of American cash culture.

Money slang varies by region, age, and even context. While ‘twenty’ is universal, ‘Jackson’ is widely recognized thanks to pop culture and movies. Older terms like ‘double sawbuck’ come from the old ‘sawbuck’ slang for a $10 bill (named after the X-shaped rack used to hold wood). So two sawbucks equal twenty. You won’t hear ‘sawbuck’ much anymore, but ‘Jackson’ is alive and well in cities, bars, and online marketplaces. If you’re buying something off a local seller or tipping a bartender, knowing these terms helps you avoid confusion. And yes, some people still say ‘a score’—a term borrowed from old English counting systems where a score meant twenty. It’s rare now, but you’ll find it in books or old songs.

Why does any of this matter? Because cash isn’t just about value—it’s about communication. In small businesses, flea markets, or ride-share tips, using the right term can make a transaction smoother. It’s also part of understanding how money works in real life, not just on a screen. Whether you’re handing over a twenty at a garage sale or counting change after a night out, knowing what people mean when they say ‘gimme two twenties’ saves time and avoids awkward moments. The $20 bill isn’t just currency—it’s a cultural artifact with a name, a face, and a story behind it.

Below, you’ll find real posts that dig into how everyday objects—like a $20 bill, a pan’s brown bits, or a sofa’s price tag—carry hidden meaning. These aren’t just random facts. They’re the small details that make home life work better, from cooking to saving money to understanding what people really mean when they talk about stuff you use every day.