Canting Crew - phrases published in

Definitions

• describe a group of insincere or hypocritical people
  Refer to individuals who are deceptive or dishonest in their actions or words, often pretending to have good intentions or morals but actually acting in a deceitful manner

• mock or criticize someone for being overly pious or religious
  Used to ridicule individuals who are overly zealous or pretentious in their religious beliefs or practices, often seen as insincere and insufferable by others

• refer to sailors or sailors' slang
  Can also be used to describe sailors or seamen, as the term originally originated in the nautical world and was used to mock or criticize sailors who were dishonest or insincere in their profession.

Examples of Canting Crew - phrases published in

Conclusion

The idiom "Canting Crew" can be used in a variety of contexts, but all with the intention of describing individuals who are insincere, hypocritical, or overly pious. It can be used as a cautionary phrase, warning against engaging with such people or their behaviors, or as a means of mocking or criticizing them. The term can also refer specifically to sailors or sailors' slang, highlighting its origins in the nautical world.

Origin of "Canting Crew - phrases published in"

The origins of the idiom "Canting Crew" can be traced back to the early 17th century, specifically to a book titled "The Canting Academy: Or, The Devil's Cabinet Opened" published in 1699. This book was a collection of phrases and slang used by thieves, beggars, and other lower-class individuals, and included the term "Canting Crew" to describe a group of deceitful and hypocritical people.

The term "cant" was originally used to refer to the secret language or slang used by these lower-class individuals, and "Canting Crew" was used to mock and criticize those who used it. Over time, the term evolved to encompass a wider range of insincere or hypocritical individuals, and is still used in modern English today. The nautical connotation of the term comes from the fact that sailors were often seen as dishonest and deceitful, leading to the use of the term to describe them as well.