we always used to say 'charlie's dead' when someones underskirt was hanging down beneath their skirt. can anyone tell me where the saying comes from?
2007-02-25 00:43:33 · 8 answers · asked by delta 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Quotations
I am guessing her - but I think it comes from when Petticoats were worn, and if they slipped down, they were at Half Mast, like a flag afetr someone has died.
Maybe Charlie is Bonny Prince Charles, known for wearing lace so if he died lace petticoats would be at half mast???
2007-02-25 00:51:42 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
From Hue & Cry to Humble Pie by Judy Parkinson
Charlie's dead A slang euphemism used to indicate that a woman's petticoat is showing, or that a trouser zip is undone. This expression has been in use since the 1950's.
Could be Cockney slang, also appiled to such as a zipper down: anythin "unmentionable"
It is also American used:
Charlie's dead, it's snowing down South, slip ahoy ! Spec, full sail, Irish pennant, a slip that shows.
2007-02-25 02:55:45 · answer #2 · answered by cruisingyeti 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes a saying doesn't have origins. It can just be something passed down through generations of one family. Ask your parents/grandparents how it came about.
2007-02-25 00:49:22 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My guess is that someone somewhere in your family started this one.
My daughter's elementary school teacher used to caution a boy in her class about "having open door day" which was a hint to him that his fly was open.
2007-02-25 00:54:52 · answer #4 · answered by pat z 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I too remember this, and I think "Charlie" is King Charles II, who was executed of course.
2007-02-26 06:04:55 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
just 1 stupid preson says it then some other stupid person says that is how it is passed and made into a saying!
2007-02-25 00:47:41 · answer #6 · answered by Ash! 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
God that brought back memories of my childhood ... my nan used to say that all the time ... sweet , thanks ...
2007-02-25 00:51:29 · answer #7 · answered by jizzumonkey 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no idea...but its nice saying...
2007-02-25 00:46:03 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋