"Charley's Dead"

[Hammond Egg]

Does anyone have any idea what the origin of this is? It means 'your underskirt is showing".

[Feena]

It goes back to the reign of Charles 1st. When he was beheaded his loyal female subjects would lift their gowns slightly to show their lace petticoats as a sign of respect and to spread the word that their king was dead. Men of that period wore lace as well.

[heathfield]

Nice one, Feena!

It means the underskirt is hanging low, like a flag flown at half mast after someone dies.

[Hammond Egg]

Thanks both. That sounds very plausible.

[Feena]

You're welcome Hammond. I learnt that in school wayyyyy back in the late 50's. Just call me Methusalah:-))