Word
carlin
Phoneticscar·lin
/ˈkɑɹɫɪn/
Definition
n. an old woman. This word is mostly used in Scotland and Northern England and can sometimes sound a bit rude or mean.
n. a woman, typically an elderly one. Often carries a derogatory or disparaging connotation; primarily found in Scots and Northern English dialects.
Examples
“The old carlin sat by the fire telling stories of the past.”
“In the local folklore, a withered carlin was said to guard the bridge during the winter months.”
“The poet describes a group of carlins gathered at the market, their sharp tongues and weathered faces reflecting a lifetime of hardship in the coastal village.”
Examples
simple
“The old carlin sat by the fire telling stories of the past.”
contextual
“In the local folklore, a withered carlin was said to guard the bridge during the winter months.”
complex
“The poet describes a group of carlins gathered at the market, their sharp tongues and weathered faces reflecting a lifetime of hardship in the coastal village.”
Usage
Primarily a dialectal term; may be perceived as offensive depending on the intent and context.