Howard Jacobson

I had worked on the markets with my father before going to university, so I possessed an apparent street-smartness, had access to a colourful costermonger vocabulary, and tried passing myself off as a bit of spiv. But my contemporaries saw through me. At heart, they knew I was as bookish and oversensitive as they were.

British Novelist

Originally a London term, reflecting historic street trade culture of the city.

Historical Usage

Costermongers are often portrayed as cheerful, working-class figures in media.

Cultural Image

Less common in modern language, can imply antiquity or historical context.