The word has been used informally by the British in a theatrical context since the 1930s to describe the impression of indistinct background conversation, with the word rhubarb often uttered repeatedly by stage actors to give the impression of hubbub or conversation. Rhubarb: nonsense or the sound of background noise (British-English) a heated dispute on the sports field (North American). Meaning “attractive woman” is attested from 1754 that of “good person” is from 1904. She’s a peach, that Kaylie.” - Digital Spy. Here are some of the ways our tongues get fruity in daily conversation.* There’s a lot of fruit in our lingo - some of it friendly, some of it offensive, and some just downright vulgar.