bummaree

A bummaree carries a large crate of fish at the market.

Definition

1. Noun (countable):
   • A fish-market middleman: A "bummaree" is a person who acts as a broker or intermediary in a fish market, particularly historically at Billingsgate Market in London. They buy fish from wholesalers and resell it to retailers or the public.
   • A porter or carrier: In a meat market (also in London), a "bummaree" was a laborer who carried loads, such as meat carcasses, for merchants.

Usage Examples

• (A fish-market broker who was experienced and well-connected.)
• (A porter in a meat market.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is largely historical and specific to London's markets. It may appear in historical texts or discussions of British trade customs.
  • In the 19th century, the bummaree was an essential figure in the chaotic commerce of Billingsgate. (A key role in a busy, traditional market.)

Variants and Related Words

• Bummareeing (n): The activity or trade of a bummaree.

  • Bummareeing required both physical strength and sharp business sense. (The work of a market broker or porter.)

• Bummaree (adj): Relating to or characteristic of a bummaree (rare).

  • The bummaree system of pricing was informal and based on haggling. (The method used by these brokers.)

Synonyms

• Middleman: a person who buys goods from producers and sells them to retailers or consumers.
• Broker: an agent who arranges transactions between buyers and sellers.
• Porter: a person employed to carry goods, especially in a market.

Related Idioms

• No common idioms exist for this highly specialized term. However, in historical context, a bummaree might be described as "the grease that turned the wheels of the market," meaning an essential but often overlooked facilitator.