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Processed with VS1Recognize informal expressions for very small pay and a group of loud or uninformed commenters.
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Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptThis 2010 episode links chicken and peanut expressions to low value, low pay, and a vocal audience. The examples here distinguish informal criticism of pay from a dated name for audience members.
Cultural note: “Chickenfeed” and “work for peanuts” can criticize low pay, but calling a person’s wages “chickenfeed” may minimize real financial hardship. “Peanut gallery” is a dated U.S. term and can sound dismissive when used for public commenters; “audience” or “commenters” is more neutral. The episode also presents a historical spy story; this lesson does not treat its account as independently verified history.
Keep exploringThese food words can describe a tiny paycheck—or the people making comments from the back of the room.
Phrase guide · 3 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Informal phrases for earning very little money.
Recognition caution
Meaning
A very small amount of money or something considered to have little value.
Tone & use
Informal and sometimes dismissive. Do not use it to trivialize someone else’s wages or financial needs.
Example
“The contractor rejected the first offer as chickenfeed for the amount of work involved.”
Discuss low wages with care; the word can make real hardship sound insignificant.
Meaning
Work for very little pay.
Tone & use
Informal and critical. For a neutral discussion, say “the job is low-paid” or name the compensation clearly.
Example
“The interns said they were working for peanuts compared with the responsibilities they had been given.”
Recognize a dated, sometimes dismissive label.
Recognition caution
Meaning
A group of audience members or commenters, especially those making loud or unwanted remarks.
Tone & use
Dated and often dismissive. It can belittle people who are speaking up; use “audience,” “commenters,” or “critics” when you want a neutral tone.
Example
“Instead of brushing off questions as coming from the peanut gallery, the panel answered them directly.”
Avoid using the phrase to dismiss legitimate questions or criticism.
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
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