Newcastle

/ˈnjuːˌkæsəl/ noun

Definition

A major city in northeastern England on the River Tyne, famous historically for coal mining and shipbuilding; also a type of brown ale beer.

Etymology

From Old English 'new' and 'castle,' referring to a Norman castle built there in 1080 to replace an older Roman fort. The name literally describes the 'new castle' that was constructed.

Kelly Says

Newcastle upon Tyne was the center of the Industrial Revolution's shipbuilding industry and sent coal all over the world—saying someone is 'bringing coals to Newcastle' means doing something pointless, since Newcastle already had more coal than anywhere on Earth.

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