Skip to main content

Difference between Charlie’s dead and Queen Ann’s dead

Charlie’s dead—(UK) is used to discreetly tell a woman that her slip or panties are showing:

  • “Charlie est mort.” “What did you say?” Marie lapsed suddenly into English…. “Charlie’s dead,” he translated. “Means your petticoat’s showing.”

Queen Ann’s dead—(UK) an ironical response to smb. who refers to old news or says smth. very obvious:

  • To any boy who tendered a particularly obvious bit of information, his classic reply was, “Oh yes, and Queen Anne’s dead.”