Why "costermonger"? The original form of this title was costardmonger; a costard being a large apple; and a costardmonger was a seller of apples. In the days of muddy roadways and doubtful sidewalks the street crier must have been a boon to thrifty housewives; and it is interesting to note apples were sold both fresh and cooked; as illustrated by street cries of "Hot Codlings; hot!"; "Rosted Pippins! piping hot!"; and "Piepin Pys!" In the trade a distinction seems to have been made between a costermonger; who sells from a barrow; a hawker; who sells from a basket; and a general dealer; who uses a donkey; or pony cart. Illustration for one of a set of 50 "Do You Know?" cigarette cards issued by Carreras in 1939.