Slang for 100 bills: What people really call a C-note and why it matters
When someone says they made a C-note, a common American slang term for a hundred-dollar bill. Also known as Benjamin, it refers to the portrait of Benjamin Franklin on the front of the bill. This isn’t just casual talk—it’s practical language used everywhere from street markets to warehouse payoffs, and even in logistics invoices when cash changes hands. You won’t find it on bank statements, but if you’re dealing with cash-heavy industries—like delivery drivers getting tips, small business owners paying subcontractors, or even warehouse workers getting paid under the table—you’ll hear it all the time.
The term Benjamin, a nickname for the $100 bill named after Founding Father Benjamin Franklin is just as common, especially in places where people want to sound casual but still clear. Then there’s the more old-school grand, slang for $1,000, often used in groups of hundreds—so if someone says they got five grands, they mean five thousand, or fifty C-notes. These terms aren’t just slang; they’re shorthand that cuts through confusion in fast-moving environments. Think of a warehouse manager paying a last-minute driver to move a shipment overnight. Saying "Here’s five C-notes for the extra run" is faster, clearer, and less likely to be misheard than "five hundred dollars."
It’s not just about money—it’s about culture. In logistics, where timing and trust matter more than paperwork, cash deals still happen. A courier might get paid in C-notes after delivering a high-value package late at night. A small business owner might hand over a Benjamin to a mover for quick help with a last-minute move. These aren’t just words—they’re part of how things actually get done when formal systems are too slow or too rigid. You’ll find this language echoed in posts about warehouse pay, delivery driver earnings, and even how small e-commerce sellers handle cash flow when banks are closed.
And if you’ve ever wondered why people say "Benjamin" instead of just "hundred," it’s because the face on the bill is unmistakable. Unlike other denominations, the $100 bill has a historical figure everyone recognizes. That makes it easy to reference without confusion. It’s also why you’ll rarely hear "Franklin" on its own—people know exactly what you mean when you say "Benjamin."
Whether you’re tracking cash flow in a small warehouse, negotiating a delivery fee, or just trying to understand what people mean when they say "I need a C-note," knowing these terms helps you speak the same language as the people who keep things moving. Below, you’ll find real stories and breakdowns from people who use this slang every day—drivers, warehouse staff, small business owners—and how cash still plays a role in modern logistics, even in a digital world.
Learn the common slang terms for a $100 bill, like C-note and Benjamin, why they’re used, and how to spot real cash. Understand the history and modern use of money slang.
Dec, 1 2025