Street
costermonger
What does costermonger mean?
A traditional London street trader selling fruit and vegetables from a handcart or barrow — the original spreaders of rhyming slang.
"His grandad was a costermonger down Petticoat Lane."
Origin
From 'costard' (a type of apple) + 'monger' (seller); central to East End market culture.
Frequently asked questions
What is a 'costermonger'?
A traditional London street trader who sold fruit and vegetables from a handcart or barrow.
Where does the word 'costermonger' come from?
From 'costard', an old type of apple, plus 'monger', meaning seller.
Why are costermongers important to Cockney culture?
They were central to East End market life and are often credited as the original spreaders of rhyming slang.
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