What is ball and chain slang for?

Definition of ball and chain

: something that limits one's freedom or ability to do things Drugs are a ball and chain for many people. (old-fashioned) He referred to his wife as "the ball and chain."

What does ball and chain mean in cockney rhyming slang?

The meaning and origin of the expression: Ball and chain

A 20th century slang term, meaning wife.

Where did old ball and chain come from?

A ball and chain is a physical restraint device historically applied to prisoners, primarily in the British Empire and its former colonies, from the 17th century until as late as the mid-20th century.

Is ball and chain an idiom?

Idiom: Ball and Chain

The term “ball and chain” is often used in two different ways. One is to signify a special burden in one's life, while the other is a jocular way of referring to one's wife.

What is chain slang for?

(1) to light a cigarette you plan to smoke with the one already in your mouth, (2) to smoke more than one cigarette at the same time.

Spanish Slang: Ball and Chain

What does this emoji mean ⛓?

Emoji Meaning

Occasionally used as an icon before a hyperlink or for metaphorical connections or chains, e.g., slang off the chains. Samsung's design previously featured stylized, white chains in a blue square, as a sign or icon for snow chains for winter driving.

What is another name for the ball and chain?

Similar words for ball and chain:

burden (noun) encumbrance (noun) great hindrance (noun) hindrance (noun)

How do you say husband in slang?

Hubby: Short for husband, and originally used as a nickname for the man you are married to, but is also widely used to describe a good boyfriend that you believe you are likely to marry, or be with forever. Usage: “She's more than my boy, he's my hubby.”

What's the old ball and chain?

the old ball and chain

A jocular but disparaging term for a person's spouse or significant other who is thought to stifle the person in some way. Typically said of a wife or girlfriend.

How do you use chain and ball in a sentence?

1. The responsibility was a ball and chain around my ankle. 2. At which point she unlocked her ball and chain.

Are ball and chain still used?

The ball and chain was mainly used in the British Empire and its penal colonies. It was used from the 17th century until as late as the mid 20th century.

Why was ball and chain used?

A ball and chain is a device that was once used to restrain prisoners. You can also call something that's a burden or makes it hard for you to do what you want a ball and chain.

What are prisoner chains called?

A belly chain (also known as a waist chain or Martin chain) is a physical restraint worn by prisoners, consisting of a chain around the waist, to which the prisoner's hands may be chained or cuffed. Sometimes the ankles are also connected by means of longer chains.

Why do Cockneys call a watch a kettle?

The term means watch, which stemmed from a 'fob' watch which was a pocket watch attached to the body with a small chain. The kettle used to boil on the hob of a stove… hence the rhyme.

How do you say Girl in Cockney?

Ocean Pearl is Cockney slang for Girl.

Why do Cockneys call a house a drum?

Drum and Bass is Cockney slang for Place.

The word drum was originally used to describe a room or prison cell or even a road. It then became confined to only mean the home. Finally this was rhymed with Drum and Bass giving its modern interpretation.

What is the opposite of a ball and chain?

blessing. godsend. pick-me-up.

Who invented the ball and chain?

The World's #1 Ball Chain Manufacturer

(Ball Chain) is the world's largest manufacturer of ball chain and related accessories. Founded in 1938 by Frank Taubner and his son, Val, in the garage behind their home in the Bronx, Ball Chain has grown to employ more than 95 people.

When did ball and chain Open?

Ball & Chain opened in 1935 on The Trail, the iconic street in Miami's Little Havana neighborhood now famously known as “Calle Ocho.” Over the next two decades, legendary artists of the day graced the stage, including Billie Holiday, Count Basie and Chet Baker.

What is slang for boyfriend?

Here are a bunch of slang words that mean boyfriend: Bae: An abbreviation of babe or baby. Beau: Boyfriend or girlfriend. Pronounced “bo”. Usage: “Me and my beau went out last night and had a fabulous time!”

What is the slang word for girlfriend?

Ladyfriend: May refer to one's girlfriend, or to a female friend with benefits. Girlfy: Slang abbreviation of “girlfriend”. My better half: Slang for boyfriend/girlfriend or wife/husband. Old lady: Slang term for girlfriend or wife, often used by construction or farmer types as a more “manly”/”macho” term.

What does lip mean in slang?

Slang. impudent talk; back talk: Don't give me any of your lip.

What is a ball and chain on ankle called?

Foot clamp with chain and iron ball, so-called Convict ball or ankle cuffs.

What is a spiked ball and chain called?

A Mace and Chain, also called a chain mace (or a flail), is a variation on the medieval weapon and agricultural tool called a flail. It usually has a chain wrapped in leather or other material with a spiked steel ball on the end.

What are Darbies?

plural noun. British informal, old-fashioned. handcuffs.