Dime vs. Mime: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A Dime is a ten-cent coin in the United States, whereas a Mime is a performer who uses gestures and body movements to tell a story without words.
Key Differences
A Dime is a small, thin coin worth ten cents in American currency. In contrast, a Mime is an art form where the performer uses expressive physical movements to convey a narrative or emotion without speaking.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 04, 2023
The term Dime is often used in financial contexts or idiomatic expressions, symbolizing a small amount of money. Mime, however, refers to a theatrical technique focused on silent expression and storytelling.
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Dec 04, 2023
Historically, the Dime has been a part of U.S. currency since 1796, carrying monetary value. The practice of Mime has deep historical roots in performance art, dating back to ancient Greece and gaining prominence in places like France.
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Dec 04, 2023
In everyday language, "a dime a dozen" represents something very common, leveraging the Dime's association with minimal value. The term Mime is used to describe an artist or performance that relies solely on non-verbal cues, often seen in street performances or theatre.
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Dec 04, 2023
While a Dime is tangible and has a fixed value, a Mime's art is subjective, varying greatly based on the performer's skill and the audience's interpretation.
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Dec 04, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Historical Origin
U.S. currency since 1796
Ancient Greece, popular in French theatre
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Dec 04, 2023
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Dime and Mime Definitions
Dime
Used in idioms to denote commonality.
These gadgets are a dime a dozen.
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Dec 04, 2023
Mime
Theatrical performance without words.
The mime show was both humorous and poignant.
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Dec 04, 2023
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Mime
A communications protocol that allows for the transmission of data in many forms, such as audio, binary, or video.
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Oct 19, 2023
Dime
Symbol of something inexpensive.
I bought it for a dime at the garage sale.
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Dec 04, 2023
Mime
A form of ancient Greek and Roman theatrical entertainment in which familiar characters and situations were farcically portrayed on stage, often with coarse dialogue and ludicrous actions.
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Oct 19, 2023
Mime
The art of portraying characters and acting out situations or a narrative by gestures and body movement without the use of words; pantomime.
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Oct 19, 2023
Dime
(slang) A measurement of illicit drugs (usually marijuana) sold in ten dollar bags.
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Oct 19, 2023
Dime
(slang) Payment responsibility.
Are you traveling on the company's dime?
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Oct 19, 2023
Dime
(American football) A defensive formation with six defensive backs, one of whom is a dimeback.
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Oct 19, 2023
Dime
To inform on, to turn in to the authorities, to rat on, especially anonymously.
Somebody dimed on me and I got arrested for selling marijuana.
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Oct 19, 2023
Dime
To operate an audio amplifier (especially an electric guitar amplifier) at level "10" (typically the highest amplification level).
I get the best-sounding sustain and smooth harmonic distortion when I run the amp dimed.
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Oct 19, 2023
Dime
A silver coin of the United States, of the value of ten cents; the tenth of a dollar.
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Oct 19, 2023
Mime
Any of various papilionid butterflies of the genus Chilasa or Papilio, that mimic other species in appearance.
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Oct 19, 2023
Dime
Street name for a packet of illegal drugs that is sold for ten dollars
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Oct 19, 2023
Mime
To represent an action or object through gesture, without the use of sound.
In this game, you're given a word, which you have to mime to the others in the group.
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Oct 19, 2023
Mime
A kind of drama in which real persons and events were generally represented in a ridiculous manner; an ancient Greek or Roman form of farce.
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Oct 19, 2023
Mime
The art of representing actions, events, situations, or stories solely by gestures and body movements, without speaking; pantomime{3}.
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Oct 19, 2023
Mime
An actor who performs or specializes in mime{3}; an actor who communicates entirely by gesture and facial expression; a pantomime{2}; a pantomimist; a mimer.
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Oct 19, 2023
Mime
Imitate (a person, a manner, etc.), especially for satirical effect;
The actor mimicked the President very accurately
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Oct 19, 2023
Mime
Act out without words but with gestures and bodily movements only;
The acting students mimed eating an apple
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Oct 19, 2023
Mime
A performer using silent gestures.
The mime acted out a whole story without speaking.
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Dec 04, 2023
Mime
Expression through body movements.
She used mime to convey her character's emotions.
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Dec 04, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What materials are used to make a Dime?
Modern dimes are made of a combination of copper and nickel.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 04, 2023
Is a Dime only used in the United States?
Primarily, yes, it's a specific coin in U.S. currency.
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Dec 04, 2023
What is the slang meaning of "a dime"?
In slang, "a dime" can refer to an attractive person.
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Dec 04, 2023
Can you use a dime in vending machines?
Yes, dimes are commonly used in vending machines.
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Dec 04, 2023
Can Mime involve spoken words?
Traditionally, no. It's a form of silent expression.
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Dec 04, 2023
Is Mime the same as clowning?
No, mime is more focused on silent storytelling, while clowning often includes verbal humor.
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Dec 04, 2023
Can Mime be performed in theaters?
Yes, it's a recognized form of theatrical art.
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Dec 04, 2023
Is mime a part of theater?
Mime is often considered a distinct form of theater and can be integrated into theatrical performances.
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Dec 04, 2023
Are all dimes silver in color?
Yes, current U.S. dimes have a silvery appearance.
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Dec 04, 2023
Has the design of the Dime changed over time?
Yes, the design has evolved, with the current design featuring Franklin D. Roosevelt.
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Dec 04, 2023
What skills are essential for a mime artist?
Mime artists need skills in physical expressiveness, body control, and the ability to convey emotions without words.
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Dec 04, 2023
Is a dime larger than a penny?
Yes, a dime is larger in size and has a higher value than a penny.
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Dec 04, 2023
What is the significance of the torch and olive branch on the back of a dime?
These symbols on the back of a dime represent liberty and peace.
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Dec 04, 2023
Are dimes still made of silver?
No, modern dimes are primarily made of a copper-nickel alloy.
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Dec 04, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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