Cross patch

[Kez_9]

Have you ever called anyone, or been called 'a cross patch' when they/you are angry? No-one else seems to have heard this phrase apart from me (!)

[felinechums]

This is a commonly used phrase here in Northern Ireland. There is a rhyme: "Cross patch, draw the latch, sit at the fire and spin. Then clear your brow, throw off the sough, and let your neighbours in." This is saying that when you are cross, you should lock your door and take some quiet time to yourself. After a while, you can stop frowning and sighing and go back to being friendly.

[pega]

I've heard this saying but not often used today, in Shakespeare its mentioned a patch was a fellow, a cross patch was a ill tempered fool, due to the patched dress they wore. Brewers dictionary of phrase and fables states an old nursery rhyme.

cross patch draw the latch,sit by the fire and spin

take a cup and drink it up, then call the neighbours in.

[Narolines]

It used to be common round the Midlands, but I haven't heard it used much since, probably, the early sixties. Like many expressions, it's just a bit old-fashioned now.

[gen2]

I remember my mother using that expression when we were small. That was in the 1950s and 60s in Sussex.

I have not heard it used recently, so that confirms other posts that suggest it is a bit old fashioned and little used today.