Cockney rhyming slang

Cockney rhyming slang

Cockney rhyming slang is a unique form of English slang that originated in the East End of London, particularly among the working-class communities. It involves replacing a word with a phrase of two or more words, where the last word of the phrase rhymes with the original word. However, the key feature of cockney rhyming slang is that, over time, the rhyming word is often dropped, leaving only the first word of the phrase to represent the original word.

The intention behind this form of slang was to create a coded language that outsiders (such as law enforcement or authority figures) would find difficult to understand. It allowed the speakers to discuss sensitive or private matters without being easily understood by those not familiar with the specific phrases.

Cockney rhyming slang is known for its creativity and playfulness, often resulting in phrases that are both humorous and puzzling to those not familiar with the system. It’s important to note that while some phrases have become well-known and widely understood, many others remain specific to the traditional Cockney community and may not be easily deciphered by outsiders.

1. Dog and bone – Phone: “Give me a ring on the dog and bone later.”
2. Trouble and strife – Wife: “The trouble and strife and I are going out for dinner.”
3. Ruby Murray – Curry: “Let’s grab a Ruby Murray for dinner tonight.”
4. Hank Marvin – Starving: “I didn’t have time for lunch, I’m Hank Marvin!”
5. Adam and Eve – Believe: “You won’t Adam and Eve what happened to me today.”
6. Butcher’s (hook) – Look: “Give it a butcher’s hook and see if it’s what you’re looking for.”
7. Plates of meat – Feet: “My plates of meat are killing me after that long walk.”
8. Barnet (Fair) – Hair: “I need to get my Barnet Fair trimmed.”
9. Trouble (in the air) – Hair: “I need to sort out this trouble in the air on my head.”
10. Peckham Rye – Tie: “He’s wearing a smart Peckham Rye for the interview.”
11. Adam and Eve it – Believe it: “I can’t Adam and Eve it, that’s incredible!”
12. Adam and Eve on a raft – Poached eggs on toast: “I’ll have Adam and Eve on a raft for breakfast.”
13. Bread (and honey) – Money: “I’m a bit short on bread and honey this month.”
14. Plates of meat and veg – Leg: “My plates of meat and veg are aching from the run.”
15. Rosie (Lee) – Tea: “I’ll have a cup of Rosie Lee, please.”
16. Dog’s dinner – Winner: “Your outfit looks like a real dog’s dinner!”
17. Pork pies – Lies: “Don’t feed me those pork pies, I know the truth.”
18. Brown bread – Dead: “I’m so tired, I feel brown bread.”
19. North and south – Mouth: “Shut your north and south and listen.”
20. Tea leaf – Thief: “Watch your belongings, there might be tea leafs around.”
21. Rosy – Posy: “She always carries a rosy in her hand.”
22. Sky rocket – Pocket: “Put your money in your sky rocket.”
23. Boat race – Face: “He’s got a big grin on his boat race.”
24. Adam – Mad: “She went absolutely Adam when she saw the mess.”
25. Apples and pears – Stairs: “I’m heading up the apples and pears to bed.”
    
    Words in brackets usually not said. 

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