This is a concise introduction to the Cockney and Cockney Rhyming slang. Much of the slang has been around for a long time, but it is also constantly being added to with topical phrases of the day, some of which you will recognise when you see the list of Slang on the next page.

Feel free to send me any Slang that you may come across, as I am on the lookout for any additional material.

The term Cockney originally stems from the middles ages where it was applied to an effeminate person, simpleton or a particularly weak man from a town as opposed to a countryman who was regarded as tougher. In the 17th century the term changed and came to mean specifically a Londoner.

A Cockney traditionally is a person born within hearing distance of the sound of Bow bells, meaning within the sound of the bells of the Church of St Mary Le Bow in Cheapside, London, EC2 and refers to an East London accent, however to most people living outside London the term Cockney means a Londoner.

Cockney Rhyming slang is for want of a better term , a secret language, thought to have originated in the last century to allow street traders (costermongers) to communicate with each other whilst trading illegally. It is more probable however that its roots go far deeper as the area has been a melting pot for hundreds of years.

It has now become part of general speech to such an extent that many people don't even realise they are using it, particularly as in most cases it gets further shortened to just using the first part of the rhyme.
For example: Butchers Hook = Look, may be used in a sentence "Lets have a Butchers" meaning "lets have a look".
People may even be surprised at the meaning for some of the slang they use, a further example "He's a right Berk" (Look up Berkshire Hunt on the "slang" page).
I have endeavoured to categorise the slang, but for the time being, some of it is as it comes to mind.

Copyright 1996 T. Byrne