This brings up memories of the humorous book How To Be an Alien by George Mikes (pronounced “Mee-Kash”), a Hungarian who took refuge in the UK in the World War II era and ultimately became a British naturalised citizen. The book, written in his early UK years, purports to be a guide for people in the author’s position, to some to the oddities of British life – including the quirks of the English language. I recall the statement: “A fishmonger mongs fish. A warmonger mongs war. They both mong them.”
English as she is spoke.
We had a coster shop in town next to the railroad when they still used steam engines. I think it had something to do with boilers.
I’ll let you know just as soon as he finishes jumping on his mother (on his mother)…
Don’t you mean 'alf of hus, anyway, Leo?
Monger or munger was a word with no negative overtones until the 16th century. It was merely a merchant or purveyor of such since 900 AD or before.
Then some smart asses got into the act.
The proper joke here would’ve been - a fishmonger sells fish, a whoremonger buys fish.