The word Cockney is used to describe someone from the East End of London, England. Tradition says to be a true Cockney you must be born within the sound of the bells of the church of Saint Mary-le-Bow in a part of London called Cheapside.

One of the most interesting things about Cockney culture is its slang, or special language, which is based on rhymes. Many people believe that Cockney Rhyming Slang was created by pickpockets and other petty criminals so that they could talk without the police understanding them. Whatever its real history, Cockney Rhyming Slang is definitely interesting and often funny.

Typically, a bit of Cockney Rhyming Slang is made up of two or more words, the last of which rhymes with the regular English word the slang stands for. Then, when the Cockney term is used, that actually rhyming word is dropped.

For example, “Bacon and Eggs” means “legs,” but a Cockney might compliment a pretty girl on her “bacons.”

Here are ten bits of Cockney Rhyming Slang you’re sure to enjoy.

Auntie Ella .............................................................................umbrella
Band of Hope .............................................................................soap
Bees and Honey ................money (I ain’t got the bees to pay me rent.)
Butcher’s Hook ................................look (Let’s have a butchers at it.)
Chevy Chase ....................................face (Don’t put on a long chevy.)
Grasshopper ...............................................................copper (police)
Jam Jar .........................................................................................car
Loaf of Bread ....................................................head (Use your loaf!)
Plates of Meat .....................................feet (Don’t step on me plates!)
Uncle Bert ....................................shirt (You’d best wash your uncle!)

HERE’S AN IDEA: Make up your own bits of Cockney-style Rhyming Slang!

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