Definition of barrow boy

The term "barrow boy" originated in the late 19th century in London's East End. It refers to a street vendor who sells fruit and vegetables from a handbarrow. Here's how the term came about: In the 1800s, market gardens began to spring up around London due to the arrival of the railways, making it easier to transport fresh produce to the city. These gardens were usually located in the East End, and the farmers who tended them would send their sons to sell their wares in the city streets. The youngest sons, who were often as young as 11, would push a handbarrow filled with produce around the city to sell. Being young and inexperienced, they would often cry out their wares in a high-pitched voice, becoming known as "barrow boys." The variety of produce that barrow boys sold depended on the season. In the summer, they would sell strawberries, cherries, and peas, while in the winter, they would sell apples, oranges, and potatoes. Barrow boys were a common sight in London's streets until the 1960s, when the arrival of supermarkets and shopping centers took away their business. However, the term "barrow boy" remains a part of London life, and is still used to describe street vendors today. Essentially, a barrow boy is a fruit and vegetable street vendor who uses a handbarrow to sell his wares. The term originated in the late 1800s in the East End of London, where it became synonymous with the youngest sons of market gardeners selling their families' produce in the city streets.