Tilly Trot

[l_h_kings]

Who was Tilly Trot? What does it mean when you refer to someone as Tilly Trot? Is it offensive or a term of endearment? I had never heard of this saying before until I moved to Lancashire 7 years ago. There's lots of things the Northerners say that I don't understand; but this one is really bugging me.

[Quizmonster]

One meaning of 'trot', dating back to the 14th century, was an old woman or hag. Tilly, is, of course, a female name short for Matilda, so could it be that the words are used in that sense in Lancashire...ie a Tilly Trot is an ugly or unpleasant old woman?

[Peter Pedant]

I'll check - I dont think it is a term of endearment. I have only heard it on the lips of a woman about another woman who was irritating her. its on a par with old bag, stupid woman, but not as bad as a pain in the ++ts or stupid b++++

[vikki1825]

Tilly Trotter is a Character invented by Catherine Cookson. I don't know where the saying originates from though