billingsgate

Meanings

Noun

• Profane, abusive language; coarse words.

Verb

• To use abusive language towards.

Origin

• 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)