billingsgate

Definition

Profane, abusive language; coarse words.

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).

Example Sentences

• "You wouldn't have believed the billingsgate which poured forth from that boy's mouth."
• "These "flytings" consisted of alternate torrents of sheer Billingsgate poured upon each other by the combatants."