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A warning cry used in Edinburgh when someone was about to throw dirty water from a window.
synonyms:watch outheads up
The term 'gardyloo' is derived from the French phrase 'gardez l'eau,' meaning 'watch out for the water.' It was commonly used in 18th-century Edinburgh.
This word is a historical term, primarily used in discussions about urban history and the everyday life of past centuries.
Gardyloo is rarely used in modern conversation, but it may appear in historical contexts or literature.
As the sun set over the old town, a voice from above shouted 'gardyloo!' just before a bucket of water splashed onto the cobblestones below.
In Edinburgh's past, residents knew to heed the call of 'gardyloo' if they wanted to avoid an unexpected shower.
The charming tale of 'gardyloo' serves as a reminder of the quirky practices of city life in centuries gone by.
Gardyloo is a delightful relic from the streets of Edinburgh, evoking images of a bustling city where window cleaning was a communal affair. The word, which hails from the French 'gardez l'eau,' reflects the practicalities of urban life in the 18th century when chamber pots were emptied into the streets. While seldom heard today, it paints a vivid picture of a time when a simple warning could save a passerby from an unfortunate drenching. Explore the fascinating history behind such terms and appreciate the colorful tapestry of language!