Petticoat government

n.

Heard in Waterford

The wife. A humorous reference to domestic authority.

In use

Was in trouble with the authorities after last night. What the Guards? No, the oul' petticoat government!

Posh English

I found myself in trouble with the authorities after last night. The constabulary you ask? No, the old domestic authority.

  • Government artistA person who draws the dole, i.e. lives on social welfare payments.
  • De socialGovernment welfare payments.
  • Sleeping shovelA lazy worker, particularly one employed by local government leaning on a shovel.
  • A hang sangwidgeA traditional ham sandwich, typically packed for a journey.