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.
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.