Cockney Rhyming Slang is a form of English slang originating from the East End of London. It involves substituting a word or phrase with a rhyming phrase, typically with the rhyming word omitted, creating a unique and often cryptic language. Here are some examples of Cockney Rhyming Slang, along with their meanings:
- Apples and Pears
- Meaning: Stairs.
- Example: “I’m heading up the apples to bed.”
- Trouble and Strife
- Meaning: Wife.
- Example: “The trouble and strife is waiting for me at home.”
- Dog and Bone
- Meaning: Phone.
- Example: “Give me a bell on the dog and bone.”
- Butcher’s Hook
- Meaning: Look.
- Example: “Have a butcher’s at this photo.”
- Ruby Murray
- Meaning: Curry.
- Example: “Let’s grab a Ruby for dinner.”
- Plates of Meat
- Meaning: Feet.
- Example: “My plates are killing me after that walk.”
- Bread and Honey
- Meaning: Money.
- Example: “I’m a bit short on bread this week.”
- Hank Marvin
- Meaning: Starving.
- Example: “I’m Hank; let’s grab some food.”
- Rosy Lee
- Meaning: Tea.
- Example: “I fancy a cup of Rosy Lee.”
- Aris
- Meaning: Buttocks or rear end.
- Example: “I slipped and landed on my Aris.”
- Adam and Eve it
- Meaning: Believe it.
- Example: “You won’t Adam and Eve it, but I won the lottery.”
- Dog’s Dinner
- Meaning: Something messy or disorganized.
- Example: “You’ve made a right dog’s dinner of this room.”
- Tea Leaf
- Meaning: Thief.
- Example: “Watch out; there’s a tea leaf about.”
- Use Your Loaf
- Meaning: Use your head or think.
- Example: “Come on, use your loaf; it’s not that difficult.”
- Tom and Dick
- Meaning: Sick.
- Example: “I’m feeling a bit Tom and Dick today.”
- Barnet Fair
- Meaning: Hair.
- Example: “I’m getting my barnet done this afternoon.”
- Bubble Bath
- Meaning: Laugh.
- Example: “That joke really made me bubble bath.”
- North and South
- Meaning: Mouth.
- Example: “Shut your north and south.”
- Hampstead Heath
- Meaning: Teeth.
- Example: “I need to brush my Hampsteads.”
- Hampton Wick
- Meaning: Prick (referring to an unpleasant person).
- Example: “He’s a right Hampton Wick, that one.”
- Brown Bread
- Meaning: Dead.
- Example: “He’s brown bread, mate.”
Remember, Cockney Rhyming Slang can be quite playful and may not always follow strict rules. Additionally, some phrases have entered more widespread use, while others may be less familiar. The key to understanding is often recognizing the rhyming phrase and then omitting the rhyming word.