ha'p'orth

noun3

1. •
   (UK, old-fashioned) A halfpennyworth; the amount that can be bought for a halfpenny.

   • At an old stubborn Root I chanc’d to tug, When the Dean threw me this Tobacco-plug: A longer ha’p’orth never did I see; This, dearest Sheelah, thou shalt share with me. — 1729
2. •
   (informal, old-fashioned) A small amount.

   • A well-built and handsome boat is worth varnishing, and it would be a pity to “spoil the ship for a ha’p’orth of tar”. — 1887
3. •
   (slang, old-fashioned) A foolish person.

   • Mrs Dobson shouted: “Put on your anorak, Frank, you daft ha’p’orth, the maroon one I fetched you for your 60th, or you’ll catch your death.” — 2000