gardyloo

interjection

gar·​dy·​loo ˌgär-dē-ˈlü How to pronounce gardyloo (audio)
used in Edinburgh as a warning cry when it was customary to throw slops from the windows into the streets

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from French garde à l'eau! look out for the water!

First Known Use

1622, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gardyloo was in 1622

Dictionary Entries Near gardyloo

Cite this Entry

“Gardyloo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gardyloo. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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