billingsgate

[bil-ingz-geyt, -git]

noun

1. coarsely or vulgarly abusive language.

   Synonyms: vulgarity, scurrility, invective, vilification, vituperation

Billingsgate

¹

/ ˈbɪlɪŋɡzˌɡeɪt /

noun

1. the largest fish market in London, on the N bank of the River Thames; moved to new site at Canary Wharf in 1982 and the former building converted into offices

billingsgate

²

/ ˈbɪlɪŋzˌɡeɪt /

noun

1. obscene or abusive language

Word History and Origins

Origin of billingsgate¹

First recorded in 1645–55; originally the kind of speech often heard at Billingsgate, a London fish market at the gate of the same name

Word History and Origins

Origin of billingsgate¹

C17: after _Billingsgate , which was notorious for such language

Example Sentences

He never paused to weigh his words when he assailed an opponent, believing that in politics billingsgate is the gate of success.

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Then preachers opened the sluiceways of vituperation and billingsgate upon Colonel Ingersoll for having interceded for a man convicted of mailing obscene literature.

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A volley of oaths and river billingsgate followed the remark, and blows which fairly shook the cabin came upon the sturdy panels.

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“Rum, alias kill-devil, is as much ador’d by the American English, as a dram of brandy is by an old billingsgate,” &c.

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The two women recommenced their billingsgate, the boy stuttered, the soldiers laughed, and the dog howled.

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