Knock shop
Meaning
A "knock shop" is an informal and often derogatory term for a brothel or house where prostitutes operate.
Origin
In early 20th-century Britain, illicit establishments often operated with a degree of secrecy. To gain entry, patrons didn't simply walk in; a specific, often quiet, 'knock' was required—a signal recognized only by those seeking particular services. This clandestine tapping on the door became synonymous with the illicit business conducted within, a 'shop' where such services were traded under the cloak of night. The phrase 'knock shop' emerged from this furtive practice, capturing the secretive nature of these brothels, where the simple act of knocking ushered customers into a world hidden just behind closed doors.
Examples
- The detective was investigating a new knock shop that had opened up on the outskirts of the city.
- Locals whispered about the discreet knock shop hidden behind the old bakery.