0
I had never heard this use before, but the Oxford English Dictionary lists as one of the definitions of toby to be "the highway" in thieves' slang. It is thought to have originated from toba' from tobar, the word for "road" in Shelta, the secret language of the Irish tinkers. It dates back in print to 1807.
In New Zealand, 'toby' is widely used to mean the mains water tap outside a house frontage, presumably because it is on, or at the side of, the highway.
This seems to have spread from Irish immigrants to Australia, and thence to NZ. Where the word is never used for 'highway', though it probably still is in the UK (where a 'Tobyman' meant a highwayman.
As a diminutive of the name Tobias, the Toby jug (Toby Fillpott) has no connection; it occurs in Cockney rhyming slang in 'toby jugs' for ears (lugs). Similar to 'Tobermory' for an unlikely story, from the main village of the island of Mull in Scotland.
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
Is there any famous people called Toby?
Toby Magquire
When does Toby turner realize you can get married in Skyrim?
There is no character called Toby Turner in Skyrim.
What is Toby turners dog called?
Gryphon
What is the second book to Toby alone by timothee de fombelle?
The second book is called Toby and the Secrets of the Tree.
What was Toby turner's first video?
Toby Turner's first minecraft video is called "Minecraft - Brother Pig - Part 1"
Does Toby flood have a girlfriend?
unfortunately he is dating someone, she is called Annabella Wilkinton which is a shame because Toby Flood is totally gorgeous :)
What was the grass hopper called in the big bang theory?
Toby
What was Toby turner's first Minecraft video?
Toby Turner's first Minecraft video is called "Minecraft - Brother Pig - Part 1"
Did kirk Franklin do a song with Toby mac called lose your soul?
No
What will the new baby be in Good Luck Charlie?
it will be a boy called toby
What movie did Toby turner play in?
The movie is called 'A new low.'
Does Toby Mac have a younger brother?
No, but he does have an older brother. How he got the name Toby was because he was born in October so his brother called him Tober which later on got shortened to Toby!! :) I absolutely LOVE T. Mac
