Monger was originally a word which meant trade or barter. Thus an Ironmonger sold metal goods (hardware), a Costermonger, fruit and veggies, a Cheesemonger, cheese and a Fishmonger fish. However a Fishmonger's daughter was always (in Cockney language) a euphemism for a prostitute. Shakespeare used it in that sense.
Monger has always had a disreputable association, including in the modern usages Warmonger, Fearmonger or Whoremonger, so Fred F's usage is of ancient if not respectable lineage.











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