fishwife Definition
- 1a woman who sells fish
- 2a vulgar, scolding woman
Using fishwife: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "fishwife" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The fishwife at the market always has the freshest catch.
Example
She was known for her sharp tongue and was often called a fishwife by her neighbors.
fishwife Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for fishwife
- fishmonger
- fish dealer
- fish seller
Phrases with fishwife
Example
She was shouting like a fishwife when she found out her son had failed his exam.
fishwife's grip
a tight grip, often used to describe a strong hold on something
Example
He had a fishwife's grip on the steering wheel as he drove through the storm.
fishwife's elbow
a skin condition caused by frequent exposure to cold water, often experienced by fishmongers and other workers who handle fish
Example
After years of working as a fishmonger, he developed fishwife's elbow.
Origins of fishwife
from Middle English 'fish wyf', meaning 'woman who sells fish'
Summary: fishwife in Brief
The term 'fishwife' [ˈfɪʃwaɪf] refers to a woman who sells fish or a vulgar, scolding woman. It can be used to describe someone with a sharp tongue, as in 'She was often called a fishwife by her neighbors.' Phrases like 'like a fishwife' and 'fishwife's grip' are also associated with the term.
