Billingsgate

Origin of the word Billingsgate

There is a particular gate in London by the name of Billing (the identity of Mr. Billing has always been doubtful though). In its vicinity, there is one of largest fish markets in the world and in the past, it was known to be a pretty rough place. Here the language used was not pretty at all, and was abusive and foul to say the least. Fishwives and their fish mongering husbands got quite a reputation from this place. And so did this place. The word now stands for offence and abusive language.

The dictionary definitions for Billingsgate are as follows:

1. Coarsely or vulgarly abusive language. (noun)

Usage of the word Billingsgate