ProbableNamed from the place
Chelsea smile
noun · first attested 20th century
The same wound is named for Glasgow in Scotland and for Chelsea in London.
A scar running from the corner of the mouth toward the ear, made by cutting the face.
51.4875°N -0.1684°W · Q743535
Record
- Relationship
- Named from the place
- Confidence
- ProbableThe conventional story is likely, with caveats.
- Attested
- 20th century
- Part of speech
- noun
Explanations here are written for this atlas. Dictionary text is not copied; the sources are linked so the claim can be checked.
- Step 1
Chelsea
- In English
Chelsea smile
Chelsea smile and Chelsea grin are recorded as straight synonyms of Glasgow smile, with no difference in meaning. The London form is generally associated with English football hooligan gangs of the 1970s and 1980s. Chelsea itself is an affluent west London district, which sharpens the irony of the phrase.
Also pinned to Chelsea
2 more from the same place
United Kingdom
All 108 entries 106 more words from United Kingdom
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