billingsgate

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[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

From the London, England fishmarket Billingsgate

"Billingsgate is the market where the fishwomen assemble to purchase fish; and where, in their dealings and disputes they are somewhat apt to leave decency and good manners a little on the left hand." - Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, 1811

[edit] Noun

Singular
billingsgate

Plural
billingsgates

billingsgate (plural billingsgates)

  1. profane, abusive language; coarse words
    You wouldn't have believed the billingsgate which poured forth from that boy's mouth.
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