barrow-boy

[ bar-oh-boi ]

noun

, British.

1. a man or boy who sells wares from a barrow; costermonger.

barrow boy

noun

1. a man who sells his wares from a barrow; street vendor

Word History and Origins

Origin of barrow-boy¹

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

In this one he says that Sir Alan Sugar, a Trumpesque English businessman, has a “blunt insolence peculiar to all barrow-boy billionaires.”

From New York Times

The barrow-boy now came up, and announced that from the look-out tree he had seen the other cowherd coming up at a gallop.

From Project Gutenberg

Just wait till I'm herdsman, and then I'll have a barrow-boy of my own to knock about!

From Project Gutenberg

Only, there is neither barrow-boy, nor "poor man's peat," nor protecting watch-dog, for the horse cannot endure any of the canine tribe, and whether it be dog or wolf, both get kicked.

From Project Gutenberg