ENGLISH
REFERENCE

pony

n. · v. · adj.
US //ˈpoʊˌni// UK //pˈəʊni// pony
  1. 1 small horse (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a type of small horse that stays small even when it is an adult.

    any of several breeds of small horse, typically defined as being under 14.2 hands (58 inches) at the withers.

    Example

    The children were excited to ride the pony at the local farm.

    Example

    The breed is classified as a pony rather than a horse due to its specific skeletal proportions and height at maturity.
  2. 2 twenty-five pounds (n.)
    C1 Advanced British English Slang

    a slang word for twenty-five pounds (£25).

    a slang term representing the sum of twenty-five pounds sterling.

    Example

    He told me the repair would cost a pony, which was more than I expected.

    Example

    In London's East End, you might still hear a trader refer to a twenty-five pound price tag as a pony.

    Teacher's tip

    This is very specific to London and informal British contexts; most learners should use 'twenty-five pounds' instead.

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  1. 3 rubbish or nonsense (n.)
    C2 Proficiency British English Slang Vulgar

    something that is poor quality or total nonsense.

    derived from Cockney rhyming slang (pony and trap), used to describe something as rubbish or of no value.

    Example

    Don't listen to him; he's talking absolute pony.

    Example

    The critics dismissed the new play as total pony, citing the weak script and uninspired acting.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a euphemism for 'crap' based on rhyming slang; it is informal and can be mildly offensive depending on the company.
  2. 4 translation aid (n.)
    C1 Advanced American English Slang

    a book or notes used by students to help translate a foreign language text quickly.

    a literal translation or 'crib' used by students to assist in the translation of a text, often used surreptitiously.

    Example

    He used a pony to get through his Latin homework because the text was too difficult.

    Example

    The professor discouraged the use of a pony, insisting that students struggle with the original Greek syntax themselves.
  3. 5 ponytail (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal

    a way of wearing hair tied at the back so it hangs down like a pony's tail.

    an informal shortening of 'ponytail', referring to a hairstyle gathered and secured at the back of the head.

    Example

    She pulled her hair back into a quick pony before starting her workout.

    Example

    For the gym, she preferred a high pony to keep her hair entirely off her neck during the cardio session.
  4. 6 to pay up (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate American English Informal

    to pay money that you owe, especially when you do not want to.

    used in the phrasal verb 'pony up' to mean paying money or settling a debt.

    Example

    It is time for you to pony up and pay your share of the rent.

    Example

    The investors were forced to pony up additional capital to keep the struggling startup afloat during the market downturn.

    Usage

    Almost exclusively used as the phrasal verb 'pony up'.
  5. 7 poor quality (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency British English Slang

    describing something that is bad, cheap, or useless.

    attributive use describing an object or situation as inferior or worthless.

    Example

    I bought a cheap watch but it was a bit pony and broke after a week.

    Example

    The service at that restaurant was a bit pony, so I don't think we'll be going back.
Etymology 1

1659 from Scots powny, apparently from Middle French poulenet (“little foal”), ultimately from Late Latin pullanus (“young of an animal”), from pullus (cognate to English foal). Sense “small serving of alcohol” from 19th century, both for small sizes generally and for a quarter pint specifically, from the small size.

Etymology 2

Clipping of pony and trap, rhyming with crap.

Word family
Idioms5 entries

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