# Zack

/ˈzæk/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/zack
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. a sixpence coin

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Dialect · Informal · British English

an old Australian name for a sixpence coin.

For teachers: a historical Australian slang term for a sixpence coin, used before the decimalisation of currency.

- My grandfather told me he could buy a whole bag of sweets for a zack.
- In the mid-twentieth century, a zack was a common unit of currency for small daily purchases among working-class Australians.

Usage: Commonly used in the phrase 'not worth a zack' to mean something is worthless.

### 2. a prison sentence

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Dialect · Slang

a slang word for a prison sentence of six months or six years.

For teachers: a slang term for a custodial sentence, specifically one lasting six months or six years.

- The old thief had served a zack in the state prison for his crimes.
- The convict was released after serving a full zack, though the harsh conditions of the era had clearly taken their toll on his health.

## Examples

- A tiny zack from the fence hurt my finger.
- She carefully removed the metal zack from her palm using a pair of tweezers.
- The archaic term zack survives in older texts to describe the minute, piercing fragments that cause sudden, sharp pain.

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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.