high nelly

Definitions

An old-fashioned utility bicycle, especially one with a step-through frame and high handlebars providing an erect riding posture; a roadster.

Ireland

Examples

“I don't know⟳ what make⟳ of bike it was but it was certainly the motor bike version of the High Nelly push⟳ bike or the Tin Lizzy car.”

“Chinese bikes are bigger and heavier than Western ones, they carry⟳ number⟳ plates and resemble⟳ the old "High Nellies" that are now such a rare sight on Irish roads.”

“there's an old bike out the back of the barracks. You're welcome⟳ to it. It's a bit of a high-nelly, and it needs new tyres, but it will get⟳ you around.”

“Now Julia Mahon. with two buckets of pigswill slung over the handlebars of her High Nelly, is off again to talk⟳ to her mother in St Michael's cemetery.”

“A HIGH Nellie bike once used by Irish rock icon Phil Lynott is being lovingly restored by a group of Carlovians, who are hoping to auction it to raise⟳ funds for a local cancer support⟳ group. Philomena Lynott found her much-loved 1930s bicycle rusting away in the garden shed⟳ and decided to put⟳ it to better use⟳.”

“Before the age of the motorcar, practically everyone in Ireland owned a High Nelly.”

CEFR level