The Emergence of the Cockney Rhyming Slang
The original meaning can be difficult to guess, and in many cases, these single slang words are now widely used by people who are unaware of the cockney-rhyming origins. Commonly only the first word of the rhyming slang is used, for example, 'butchers' means 'look', whereby Word of the substitute phrase rhymes with the word it replaces, for example, the cockney rhyming slang for the word 'look' is 'butcher's hook'. Originating in London's East End in the mid-19th century, Cockney rhyming slang uses substitute words, usually two, as a coded alternative for another word. Many Londoners and British people will be surprised to learn that some of the best known English expressions originated from cockney rhyming slang.Ĭockney rhyming slang is an amusing and interesting part of the English language. Where does the Cockney Rhyming Slang Originate from?Ĭockney rhyming slang is a significant and colourful presence in the English native language. Cockney Rhyming Slang: Meanings London cockney rhyming slang words, expressions, meanings, translations, explanations and origins, and
