steelie means A zinc-coated steel one-cent (penny) coin, produced during World War II because of copper shortages. Lexicurio rates it Sui generis — a strength score of 90 out of 100.
steelie is pronounced /ˈstiːli/.
Etymology
From steel + -ie.
noun
- A zinc-coated steel one-cent (penny) coin, produced during World War II because of copper shortages.“the jewel of his collection, a steelie from 1943”
- A steel bearing ball used as a marble.“the heaviest in his collection, an old steelie from the junkyard”
- A steel wheel.“old Mopars wearing steelies with dog dishes”
- A steel-toe boot.“Better wear your steelies when he's around. [implying that he is clumsy]”