Why did children shout "Charlie's Dead" at a petticoat?
Question
When I was a little boy, when girls were walking around with petticoats showing under their skirts, we would shout “Charlie’s dead”. Why was that?Chris, Berkhampstead
Answer
** Definitive **Name: Sally, Worcester Park
Qualification: I asked my grandparents
Answer: It dates back to when Charles II died. He was a bit of a lady’s man, so when he died, ladies lowered their petticoats, similar to flying a flag at half-mast.