Butcher’s hook

Butcher’s hook

BUTCHER'S HOOK /buttʃer's huːk/
Noun London

A look. As in “let’s have a butcher’s”. Often shortened to just “butcher’s”.

Example Sentences

"Let's have a butcher's at that."
"Take a butcher's hook at this!"

Etymology & History

Cockney rhyming slang for 'look'. Victorian-era slang referencing the hooks butchers used in shops. Always shortened to 'butcher's'. 'Have a butcher's' means take a look. One of the most commonly used rhyming slang phrases in modern British English.

Word Details

📍
Region
London/Cockney
📅
Era
Victorian
Language
Mild
💬
Formality
Slang
Categories:

Learn Another Word

🔀 Shuffle & Discover
Anglotopia's Dictionary of British English 2nd Edition Book Cover

Anglotopia's Dictionary of British English 2nd Edition

British Slang from A to Zed

By Jonathan Thomas

📚 Over 2,000+ British Slang Definitions!

Know Another Definition?

Share Your Knowledge

Your email address will not be published.