đ” 10 Fun Facts about Cockney Rhyming Slang
Cor blimey, love a duck! Down the apples and pears – what does it all mean? Many of us think of London when rhyming slang comes to mind – and thatâs mainly thanks to Cockney speak having led the way for creative language! Letâs take a look at some fun facts about rhyming slang worth remembering.
1. Older than you think!
Rhyming slang has been around a long time. It is believed to have originated through Cockney dialect, widely spoken across London, UK. There, market traders developed their own gimmicky conversational phrases, which spread throughout communities. Some people regard rhyming slang as quaint – fitting, given it dates all the way back to the 1840s!
2. Not just a British staple!
Rhyming slang has spread throughout the world. It’s frequently used worldwide, even as far away as Australia! Rhyming slang can identify a cult, community or even a product or service.
3. Blame TV!
Research shows that radio and television helped spread rhyming slang throughout the UK and overseas. In theatrical terms, some actors became known for their ‘cockney’ prose on the stage and in films. Cor blimey!
‘Pearly King and Queen’
4. You might recognize rhyming slang from a few famous shows and movies.
Several well-known actors have raised their profiles over the years by using rhyming slang. For example, Sir Micheal Caine spoke rhyming slang as a film star in the ‘Ipcress file’ and âThe Italian Job’. The American actor Dick Van Dyke, meanwhile, in ‘Mary Poppins’ – played the role of a Cockney chimney sweep in London. Rhyming slang galore!
5. Itâs made its way into popular culture.
As catchy, memorable phrases, rhyming slang has often been used to promote products and publicize shows. For example, the popular 1970s TV show âThe Sweeneyâ – a police drama based around Londonâs Met – references ‘Sweeney Todd’, which rhymes with ‘flying squad’.
Itâs also commonly used in the hugely popular British TV series âOnly Fools and Horsesâ – based around a family of slightly-dodgy market traders living and working in Peckham, London.
6. The old baked bean!
Want to refer to the Queen of England by a more colloquial phrase? In Cockney rhyming slang, sheâs referred to as âold baked beanâ – but probably not by other royals!
7. Accidential⊠or intentional?
No oneâs really too sure as to how Cockney rhyming slang first came about. Historians are fairly stumped as to whether it was a natural evolution of the local dialect and language, or if speakers purposely adapted funny phrases and codes.
8. A market staple!
Many believe that Cockney rhyming slang first emerged as a way to build camaraderie – especially between market sellers and buyers.
9. Even the Flintstones have made it into rhyming slang!
Cockney rhyming slang has taken inspiration from all kinds of sources, even from entertainment and popular media. For example, a âbit of Barney Rubbleâ means âtrouble – and thatâs evolved even further into âhaving a Barneyâ, which means to fight, squabble or argue! Strange but true!
10. Read all about it!
Cockney rhyming slang has become so ubiquitous, you can now buy whole dictionaries of phrases and translations – meaning before you head to London, you can clue up on your speak!
FAQs about Rhyming Slang
Why do cockneys refer to watches as âkettlesâ?
Itâs all to do with hobs and fobs! Fob watches were all the rage decades ago, and to heat up a kettle in olden times, youâd have to place it on the hob. Tenuous? Maybe - but now you know!
Why does ârabbitâ mean to talk?
If youâve ever heard a Londoner refer to someone ârabbiting onâ, it means theyâre talking a lot - ârabbitâ is short for ârabbit and porkâ, which - of course - rhymes with talk!
What does âa load of old cobblersâ mean?
âA load of old cobblersâ derives from a Cockney rhyming phrase thatâs a little bit rude! âCobblersâ refers to people who would traditionally work with awls - which rhymes with âballsâ. Put two and two together, and you haveâŠ
Do you know any fun facts about Cockney rhyming slang? Share them in the comments below!
Like our content? Like us on Facebook and never miss out!
There are 1000s of interesting and fun facts to learn about our planet.
Explore our world map to discover some fascinating facts for every countryâŠ
1 Comment
Cockney was started about the same time as The Peelers to confuse them to the meaning of aquired goods for sale on Hooky street Back in the day. Many a Peeler would be in and around markets looking for contraband goods for sale.Many a trade of said goods were transacted in the rub a dub So you had to keep yor minces open for a snout or Peeler. Easy to spot a peeler as had a niffyt whistle and flute on, unlike the the raggamuffins. As time progressed so did the language adding more coulorful meanings to to our secret slang
This page was last modified on June 15, 2022. Suggest an edit
Related 'London' Facts
đ©âđ 5 Ways to Improve Your Grades By Collaborating With Your Classmates
âȘïž 10 Sturdy Facts about St. Peterâs Basilica
8 Mind-Blowing Facts for Students: Fascinating Information from Multiple Fields of Study