billingsgate

[ bil-ingz-geytor, especially British, -git ]

noun

1. coarsely or vulgarly abusive language.

   Synonyms: vilification, vulgarity, scurrility, invective, vituperation

billingsgate

¹

/ ˈbɪlɪŋzˌɡeɪt /

noun

1. obscene or abusive language

Billingsgate

²

/ 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

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.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg