# pony /ˈpoʊˌni/ (US) · /pˈəʊni/ (UK) Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pony Updated: 2026-06-20 ## Senses ### 1. small horse noun · CEFR A2 a type of small horse that stays small even when it is an adult. For teachers: any of several breeds of small horse, typically defined as being under 14.2 hands (58 inches) at the withers. - The children were excited to ride the pony at the local farm. - The breed is classified as a pony rather than a horse due to its specific skeletal proportions and height at maturity. ### 2. twenty-five pounds noun · CEFR C1 · British English · Slang a slang word for twenty-five pounds (£25). For teachers: a slang term representing the sum of twenty-five pounds sterling. - He told me the repair would cost a pony, which was more than I expected. - In London's East End, you might still hear a trader refer to a twenty-five pound price tag as a pony. Teaching tip: This is very specific to London and informal British contexts; most learners should use 'twenty-five pounds' instead. ### 3. rubbish or nonsense noun · CEFR C2 · British English · Slang · Vulgar something that is poor quality or total nonsense. For teachers: derived from Cockney rhyming slang (pony and trap), used to describe something as rubbish or of no value. - Don't listen to him; he's talking absolute pony. - The critics dismissed the new play as total pony, citing the weak script and uninspired acting. Teaching tip: This is a euphemism for 'crap' based on rhyming slang; it is informal and can be mildly offensive depending on the company. ### 4. translation aid noun · CEFR C1 · American English · Slang a book or notes used by students to help translate a foreign language text quickly. For teachers: a literal translation or 'crib' used by students to assist in the translation of a text, often used surreptitiously. - He used a pony to get through his Latin homework because the text was too difficult. - The professor discouraged the use of a pony, insisting that students struggle with the original Greek syntax themselves. ### 5. ponytail noun · CEFR B1 · Informal a way of wearing hair tied at the back so it hangs down like a pony's tail. For teachers: an informal shortening of 'ponytail', referring to a hairstyle gathered and secured at the back of the head. - She pulled her hair back into a quick pony before starting her workout. - For the gym, she preferred a high pony to keep her hair entirely off her neck during the cardio session. ### 6. to pay up verb · CEFR B2 · American English · Informal to pay money that you owe, especially when you do not want to. For teachers: used in the phrasal verb 'pony up' to mean paying money or settling a debt. - It is time for you to pony up and pay your share of the rent. - 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'. ### 7. poor quality adjective · CEFR C2 · British English · Slang describing something that is bad, cheap, or useless. For teachers: attributive use describing an object or situation as inferior or worthless. - I bought a cheap watch but it was a bit pony and broke after a week. - The service at that restaurant was a bit pony, so I don't think we'll be going back. ## Examples - The children take turns riding the friendly pony. - The local riding school keeps several sturdy ponies because they are easier for beginners to handle than full-sized horses. - While many assume a pony is simply a young horse, it is actually a distinct animal with a thicker coat, shorter legs, and a more robust temperament than its larger equine cousins. --- From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.