After Mrs. Barrington opens the fete by declaring it "well and truly laid" (a phrase often used when ceremonially laying the foundation stone of a building), she then tells the crowd to "spend a lot of pennies," a phrase which would have brought some giggles to the audience.
share""Spend a lot of pennies" a phrase which would have brought some giggles to the audience."
Went right over my (American) head. Can someone enlighten me?
I told you a million times not to talk to me when I'm doing my lashes!
'Spend a penny' was a British euphemism for going to the toilet, dating back to the days when it cost 1 old penny to get into a public lavatory. I don't suppose it is used much nowadays, most public toilets these days cost at least 20p.
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