Definition of costermonger

The origin of the word "costermonger" can be traced back to the fruit and vegetable sellers of London's streets, known as "costermongers," who were active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The word "costermonger" is a combination of two Old English words, "coster" and "monger." The term "coster" originally referred to a sailor who traded goods in various ports, particularly in the North Sea region around Costerholt or Costereham, which is now part of Norfolk, England. By the time of the Crusades, the term "coster" was applied to merchants who sold goods in foreign ports, and this usage continued into the Middle Ages. The word "monger" developed during the Middle English period and originally meant someone who bought and sold goods for a profit. This usage of the word continues today, as evidenced by terms like "butcher Monger" or "fishmonger." In London during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, citizens began using the term "costermonger" to describe fruit and vegetable sellers who sold their wares from market barrows in the city's streets. The term became widely known thanks to Jack London's 1912 novel, "The People of the Abyss," in which it appeared numerous times. The novel is based on London's experiences studying poverty in London's East End neighborhood, which was known for its large population of costermongers. Today, while the term "costermonger" is still occasionally used to describe street fruit and vegetable sellers, it more commonly refers to people who sell goods in open-air markets or street stalls, often as a supplement to their income or as part of a larger agricultural operation. The term has also been used in a variety of other contexts, from literature and film to business and finance, where it is used metaphorically to describe individuals who trade in financial products or services.