cry carrots and turnips en · VERB
Pronunciation
- (US) audio
Etymology
Probably referring to the vegetables which spectators would pelt at the person drawn on the cart. Green's Dictionary of Slang suggests that the term is of onomatopoeic origin.
Meanings
-
(obsolete, slang) To be taken through the streets on a cart while being whipped, as a punishment for certain crimes.
I had a mighty queer adventure in communion with that foul toad, Titus Oates, whom I afterwards rejoiced to see crying carrots and turnips, with all London looking on.
1895, H. B. Marriott Watson, “Of a Meeting at Fulham”, in The Chap-Book: Semi-Monthly, Chicago, I.L.: Stone & Kimball, page 483:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| cried carrots and turnips | Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| cried carrots and turnips | Tense=Past | lexicographic | |
| crying carrots and turnips | Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| cries carrots and turnips | Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres | lexicographic |