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Fishwife - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A fishwife is a woman who sells fish, often depicted as loud or coarse in manner. The term can also refer to someone who is vulgar or shrewish in speech.

fishwife

/ˈfɪʃˌwaɪf/ /ˈfɪʃˌwaɪf/

Definition:

A coarse, loud-mouthed woman, often associated with selling fish.

Synonyms:

shrew, harridan, termagant, virago

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

gentlewoman, lady

Common Collocations:

loud fishwife, market fishwife, old fishwife

Derivatives:

fishwives, fishwifely

Usage Tips:

Use "fishwife" to describe a woman with a harsh tone or aggressive manner, often in a derogatory way.

Common Phrases:

scream like a fishwife, argue like a fishwife

Etymology:

Originates from 16th-century English, combining "fish" and "wife," referring to women who sold fish loudly in markets.

Examples:

  • 1. The fishwife shouted at the customers for haggling too much.
  • 2. Her voice was as shrill as a fishwife’s in the busy market.
  • 3. The neighbors complained about the fishwife next door always yelling.
  • 4. He compared her temper to that of an angry fishwife.

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