Fiver Slang: What the British Call a Five‑Pound Note

If you’ve ever heard someone in the UK say, "Can you spare a fiver?" they’re asking for five pounds. That’s the basic meaning of the word fiver – a five‑pound note. It’s a quick, informal way to talk about money without sounding stiff.

Why do Brits use "fiver" instead of just saying "five pounds"? The short answer is convenience. The term rolls off the tongue, fits nicely into casual conversation, and matches the pattern of other slang money terms like "tenner" for ten pounds and "quid" for a pound. It’s part of the everyday language you’ll hear in pubs, on the street, or when friends split a bill.

Where the word "fiver" comes from

The origin is simple – it’s just a nickname derived from the number five. The same logic applies to "tenner" (ten) and "fiver" (five). It started showing up in print in the early 20th century, but people were probably saying it long before that. Over time it became a staple of British street talk.

In some regions you’ll also hear "fiver" used for other things that cost five pounds, like a cheap meal or a ticket. The context usually makes it clear whether they mean the actual note or the price. For example, "That concert was only a fiver!" means the ticket costs five pounds, not that the ticket itself is a five‑pound note.

Other money slang you’ll hear with a fiver

When you’re chatting about cash, you’ll often hear a short list of slang terms. Here are the most common ones you’ll come across alongside "fiver":

  • Quid – a single pound. "It’ll cost you ten quid."
  • Tenner – a ten‑pound note. "I just bought it for a tenner."
  • Score – twenty pounds. "He made a quick score."
  • Bob – an old term for a shilling, rarely used now but still heard in jokes.

Knowing these terms helps you fit in when you’re ordering a coffee or negotiating a price at a market. For instance, you might say, "I’ll give you a fiver and a tenner for that old bike." That’s a clear, informal way to make an offer.

One tip: when you’re paying with a fiver, the cashier will often give you change in coins or smaller notes. It’s polite to have some coins on hand, especially if you’re buying something cheap like a newspaper or a bus ticket.

That’s the whole picture of "fiver" in everyday British slang. It’s a short, friendly way to talk about a five‑pound note or any five‑pound price. Keep it handy, use it in conversation, and you’ll sound like a local in no time.