Sou

A sou is a former French currency, also known as a sol, primarily used from the Middle Ages until its replacement by the franc. Originally derived from the solidus, a Roman coin, the sou experienced numerous variations in value and design throughout its history. Its use reflected economic shifts and political changes within France. Historically, the sou was often associated with a small unit of account and was employed in everyday transactions, representing a specific denomination of money. Over time, its significance faded with currency reforms, becoming an obsolete term, though it remains a historical marker of the French monetary system. The word itself echoes a past era of trade and commerce.

Sou meaning with examples

• The merchant quoted a price of 12 sous for a loaf of bread, a cost that seemed reasonable in the bustling market square. It gave a clear picture of the historical price. It wasn't a major cost but a manageable one.
• Reading historical documents revealed that the payment of laborers was often calculated in sous, showcasing the currency’s practical significance. This was used in the transactions of daily life. It displayed how the payment of work was valued.
• During the French Revolution, the value of the sou fluctuated dramatically, reflecting the political and economic instability of the time. It showed the impact of the revolution on the monetary world. It displayed the currency as a key element of the time.
• The antique shop displayed several coins, including a collection of weathered sous, relics of a bygone era's monetary system. Showing historical coins can give insight into the past. It allows people to understand how things were transacted at the time.
• In novels set in pre-revolutionary France, dialogue frequently mentioned sums in sous, bringing a vivid portrayal of the economics of ordinary people. It gives a taste of a time from long ago. It showcases how currency can give context.