Rhyming Cockney Slang
It has been said that rhyming Cockney slang was originally invented to outwit authority and eavesdroppers. Whatever the reason it still remains a closed language to the uninitiated.
Anyone who strolls within the sound of Bow Bells (st. Mary-le-Bow Church) has a very good chance of hearing this slang. The true Cockney was born within the sounds of these bells.
He frequently abbreviates his slang. For instance the Cockney very rarely uses his loaf of bread (head); he uses, very often to great effect, his loaf.
Here are few more examples:
| Apples and Pears | Stairs - Get up them apples! |
| Biscuits and Cheese | Knees- She ain’t arf got knobbly biscuits |
| Crust of Bread | Head – Use yer crust |
| Daisy Roots | Boots – That’s a smart pair of daisies |
| Elephant’s Trunk | Drunk |
| Fisherman’s Daughter | Water – Gimme a drink of fisherman’s |
| German Bands | Hands – Me Germans are cold |
| Hampstead Heath | Teeth |
| Jam Jar | Car |
| Kidney Punch | Lunch |
| Loop the Loop | Soup – Gimme some more loopers |
| Molly Malone | Phone |
| North and South | Mouth |
| Oxford Scholar | Dollar – Lend me an Oxford |
| Peas in the Pot | Hot – It’s a bit peasy in ‘ere |
| Rosy Lea | Tea – ‘ow about a cup of Rosy? |
| Sky Rocket | Pocket - Me skies are empty |
| Tiddly Wink | Drink – Come for a little tiddly |
| Uncle Bert | Shirt – Why ‘aven’t you washed me uncle? |
| Weeping Willow | Pillow |
For more rhyming Cockney slang, you can pick up a small booklet by Jack Jones at the Museum in Docklands Gift Shop or tell us about your favourite place in east London and why and you will receive a copy free of charge. Email us at info@visiteastlondon.co.uk.
