Bummaree

/ˌbʌməˈriː/ noun

Definition

A fishmonger or fish dealer, especially one who works in a British fish market as a middleman.

Etymology

British English term of unknown exact origin, possibly from 'bum' plus a suffix, or derived from a dialectal word. Used since the 18th century in London and coastal fish markets.

Kelly Says

Bummarees were the actual characters in British fish markets—they'd buy from fishermen and sell to retailers, and their lively bargaining style inspired Charles Dickens and other Victorian authors to write about market life.

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