When I was growing up in L,pool my family often referred to Carey St., in various ways, as a euphemism for extreme poverty. I assumed it was a widely held saying, but, Googling it, and down South here, no-one else seems to have heard it used that way. Is it a L,pool thing, or was it just confined to my family — a tradition founded in my Granny's early experiences having lived for some time in Carey St.?
To answer my own query, after some more research,— "Carey Street" was a recognised euphemism for bankruptcy, and poverty, not often used these days seemingly. It derives from the establishment of the main Bankruptcy Court in Carey Street in London sometime in the mid 1800's. "Carey Street" also became known colloquially known as "***** Street" which was used in the same way.
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I guess it's just a coincidence that Carey Street happened to be in one of the poorest areas in Liverpool. Obviously my Granny and her family knew what they were talking about!
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