ChatterBank1 min ago
barrelled
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In the City, if someone has to remain on the desk over lunch they are said to be barrelled. Can anyone explain where this expression may have come from?
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Perhaps it's related to the old Navy idea of "It's your turn in the (apple) barrel." The concept was that - in the absence of female companionship - the cabin-boy or some other lowly person aboard had to get into a barrel and position himself conveniently in relation to the bung-hole for the delectation of more senior sailors. Need I be more specific?
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