Letter: Smelly cod
Sir: In the West Country the expression "toe rag" is used for dried salt cod, once an item of diet in common use. It got this name because soaking dried salt cod before cooking produces the most appalling smell reminiscent of really smelly feet.
Nothing to do with tow at all, and far more appropriate to describe an object of dislike or scorn.
R G F STANES
Honiton, Devon
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