Cockney slang

Cockney rhyming slang is not a language but a collection of phrases used by Cockneys and other Londoners.

What's a Cockney?

St Mary Le Bow church in Cheapside, London

A true Cockney is someone born within the sound of Bow Bells. (St Mary-le-Bow Church in Cheapside, London).

However the term Cockney is now loosely applied to many born outside this area as long as they have a "Cockney" accent or a Cockney heritage.

The Cockney accent is heard less often in Central London these days but is widely heard in the outer London boroughs, the London suburbs and all across South East England. It is common in Bedfordshire towns like Luton and Leighton Buzzard, and Essex towns such as Romford.

What's Rhyming Slang?

Rhyming Slang phrases are derived from taking an expression which rhymes with a word and then using that expression instead of the word. For example the word "look" rhymes with "butcher's hook". In many cases the rhyming word is omitted - so you won't find too many Londoners having a "bucher's hook" at this site, but you might find a few having a "butcher's". 

The rhyming word is not always omitted so Cockney expressions can vary in their construction, and it is simply a matter of convention which version is used.

Top classic Cockney Rhyming Slang

Jack and Jones is Cockney slang for Alone
"I've bin sat 'ere all on me Jack Jones"

Apples and Pears is Cockney slang for Stairs

"Up the Apples and Pears to Bedfordshire"

Kettle is Cockney slang for Watch

"Nice new Kettle you're wearing mate."

Adam and Eve is Cockney slang for Believe

"Can you Adam and Eve it?"

Ruby Murray is Cockney slang for Curry

"Let's go for a few pints then a Ruby"

Butcher's Hook is Cockney slang for Hook

"Give us a Butcher's at your paper mate."

Trouble and Strife is Cockney slang for Wife

"Me Trouble and Strife's at home with the Bin Lids."

A la Mode is Cockney slang for Code

"We've got to talk a La Mode round by the dustbins."

Dog and Bone is Cockney slang for Phone

"Who's that on the Dog and Bone then?"

Cheese and Rice is Cockney slang for Jesus Christ

To read more about Cockney Rhyming Slang CLICK