Tin Cup

Alms collector's receptacle

A tin cup is a drinking vessel made of tin or other cheap metal, associated with poverty, camping, or prison.

The phrase often evokes begging or humble circumstances: rattling a tin cup for donations. *Tin Cup* is also a 1996 film about a down-on-his-luck golfer, which has given the phrase resonance in golf contexts for dramatic, all-or-nothing shots.

mugHandled cup for beverages
panhandleGeographic arm of territory
beggarOne who asks for charity
spare changeExtra coins on hand
campfireOutdoor fire for gathering

Kevin Costner · metal · dented · coffee · cowboy · drinking · rusty · enamel · ladle · dipper · golf · Costner · tournament · shanty · hobo · railyard · old west · panning

Opposites

material quality and refinement

Tin Cupcrystal goblet

Ornate glass drinking cup

gold cup · porcelain cup · fine china · cut glass · champagne flute

social class signification

Tin Cuptrophy cup

Prize vessel for winners

Fabergé · champagne flute · crown jewels

setting/context of use

Tin Cupbanquet service

Formal group meal provision

communion cup

Family

tin, cup, tins, tinned, tinning, tinny, tinware, tinfoil, tinsmith

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Mostly American · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated PG