barrow boy
The term "barrow boy" has roots in street vending and has evolved to include both historical and modern, sometimes derogatory, meanings.
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Definition
B2Street Vending
(historical, british)A young man or boy who sells goods, especially fruit and vegetables, from a handcart in the street.
Example
- The barrow boy shouted his prices as he pushed his cart through the market.
- In the 19th century, many barrow boys could be found in London's bustling streets.
C1Financial Sector
(slang, derogatory, british)A financial industry worker from a working-class or lower middle-class background, often used pejoratively.
Example
- He was dismissed as a mere barrow boy by his more privileged colleagues.
- The term 'barrow boy' emerged in the 1980s to describe newcomers to London's financial district.
C1Mountain Rescue
(technical, british)A person who guides a stretcher during a rescue operation in mountainous terrain.
Example
- In the rescue operation, the barrow boys carefully navigated the stretcher down the steep path.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "barrow boy":