Pillcock

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A British slang insult for a stupid or contemptible man ; a vulgar and old-fashioned word for the male sexual organ
2. An informal term of abuse aimed at a foolish or despicable person ; a crude, archaic name for the penis
3. A mild British insult meaning a silly or worthless fool ; a rude and dated slang term for the male genitals

Etymology: Its first half is the key to the original sense. "Pill" most likely comes from an Old English word for a pool or creek, so a pillcock was a cock, or spigot, that controlled water flowing into such a channel. "Cock" meaning a tap or valve is an old usage, older than its later slang senses. Because "cock" was also a slang term for the penis, the compound later took on that vulgar meaning as a crude name for the organ. Dictionaries mark this use as offensive, so the everyday plumbing sense is the one that most reflects the word's original meaning.

Synonyms: penis, phallus