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Gardyloo

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From these windows, servants in medieval Scotland would often yell

“gardyloo”.

to warn passers-by of waste from the chamber pots about to be thrown from a window into the street below.

Considering that during the day, passersby would then know to step out-of-the-way of the falling debris.  However, considering that the water during those times was not the beverage of the day and by nightfall most Scots were well inebriated, another term that we all know today became defined – Shit-faced drunk, when instead of stepping aside when they heard “gardyloo”, they would look up!

4 responses to “Gardyloo”

  1. GeorgieMoon Avatar
    GeorgieMoon

    That’s great. There are some much older streets in parts of the UK where timbered buildings almost touch each other across narrow cobbled alleys. It must have been risky walking down those streets!

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    1. Candace L Stauber Avatar
      Candace L Stauber

      There are, this was a pretty little street. Ilesrned the origin of a couple of our phrases on this trip. It pays to tag along on a free tour

      Liked by 1 person

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  2. Ludwig Avatar
    Ludwig

    Haha, another thing learned! I trust the streets smell better these days 😉 Thank you for sharing!

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Candace L Stauber Avatar
      Candace L Stauber

      Yes, especially in the spring and summer. I love obscure facts.😁

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