Cockney Rhyming Slang - What the Bleedin’ ‘Eck is it?

As if learning English as a second language wasn’t difficult enough, now we’re going to introduce you to a turn of phrase that’s probably going to make you want to down tools and get on the first flight out of here. 

But wait just a second, Cockney rhyming slang is not part of the English language that you’ll actually have to use. It’s just something that you can have a bit of fun with and learn how to speak like a real Londoner.

What is Cockney rhyming slang?

Good question. 

Cockney rhyming slang is a form of English slang in which the actual words you want to say are replaced by words and phrases that rhyme with them. It originated in the 16th century in the East End of London and is thought to have first been spoken by the soldiers and seamen who used the London docks. Cockney is the name given to people who are native to East London. 

So there you have it. Very simply, Cockney rhyming slang is a type of slang that rhymes and originates from East London. 

How does Cockney rhyming slang work?

There are no hard and fast rules for how Cockney rhyming slang is formed. It’s common to abbreviate some terms and only use the first word of the rhyming phrase within a sentence. 

For example:

• ‘Boat’ means ‘face’ because ‘boat race’ rhymes with face.

• ‘Bread means ‘money’ because ‘bread and money’ rhymes with honey.

• ‘Plates’ means ‘feet’ because ‘plates of meat’ rhymes with feet. 

However, sometimes the full phrase is used. For example:

• ‘Apples and pears’ means ‘stairs’ because pears rhymes with stairs.

• ‘Bricks and mortar’ means ‘daughter’ because mortar rhymes with daughter.

Still with us? Well done you!

Cockney rhyming slang in action

So, now you know what Cockney rhyming slang is and how it’s formed, it’s time to learn how to rabbit and pork (talk) like a proper Londoner with these well-known Cockney rhyming slang examples.

Would you Adam and Eve it! I’ve got my barnet done, put my bag of fruit on, and gone to have a butcher’s at a new rat and mouse, only to find my trouble and strife has already found one.

Adam and Eve = believe

Barnet fair = hair

Bag of fruit = suit

Butcher’s hook = look

Rat and mouse = house

Trouble and strife = wife

I’m absolutely cream crackered after all that, so I’m going to see my old China and we’re going to and get a few King Lears down our Gregorys!    

Cream crackered = knackered / very Tired

China plate = mate

King Lears = beers

Gregory peck = neck

And now you’re a local!

So, there you have it, our quick guide to Cockney rhyming slang. Now grab a score (£20), put on a nice little Dicky Dirt (shirt) and get yourself down the battlecruiser (boozer) to impress your friends.