charlie's dead

[brian j john]

where did the saying "charlie's dead" come from meaning that a womans petticoat is showing

[Quizmonster]

Probably from the fact that - in past times - when someone died, the blinds in his house and those of his neighbours were drawn down as a sign of mourning. Thus, the notion of something dangling, as it were.

[delboy3]

I think it was in the Daily Mirror recently; it refers apparently to King Charles II who was a bit of a ladies man. When he died, women out of respect flashed their petticoats.

[Grunty]

I always thought it was a reference to flags being at half-mast.  Thanks for reminding us of petticoats which are sadly missed in these days of trouser suits.

[Kay]

Delboy is right. It was a mark of respect by high class ladies for Charles 2nd.

[lindsey]

I've not seen this elsewhere, but when I was younger the reply to 'charlie's dead' ie - your petticoat's showing...was

'so would you be if you were hanging'

am I the only one with this recollection?