Stuff You Should Know – Selects: Cockney Rhyming Slang: Beautiful Gibberish

Intro

In this episode of “Stuff You Should Know” Selects, the hosts dive into the fascinating world of Cockney Rhyming Slang. They explore the origins, usage, and evolution of this unique language system that originated in East London. From its association with British criminals to its role in movies like “Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels,” this episode is packed with interesting information and silly moments.

Main Takeaways

Origins and Usage of Cockney Rhyming Slang

• Cockney Rhyming Slang is a language system that originated in East London.
• It involves replacing a word with a two-word phrase that rhymes with it.
• Cockney rhyming slang is associated with lower class, working-class, less educated people in Britain, but not necessarily with criminals.
• Speaking with a Cockney accent or using Cockney rhyming slang was a point of pride for the Cockney group.
• It’s possible that someone else came up with Cockney rhyming slang, not necessarily the Cockney.
• Cockney rhyming slang is a two-word phrase where the last word rhymes with the original word, and the two words can be anything.
• In some cases, one of the words of the two-word phrase is dropped, and it doesn’t even rhyme with the original word anymore.
• Cockney rhyming slang is an evolving language that can incorporate new celebrities or cultural references.

Popularity and Spread of Cockney Rhyming Slang

• Cockney rhyming slang is popular because it’s fun and has a code to it.
• It’s been around for 150 years and is still evolving with new words being added.
• The unique Britishness of it all has a lot to do with its popularity.
• Rhyming has always been a thing, even in the States.
• Cockney rhyming slang is very localized, and even people in London might not agree on what word means what.
• Cockney rhyming slang found its way to Australia and the west coast of the US, where it was called Australian Rhyming Slang.
• Studying Cockney rhyming slang provides a window into the past and historical pronunciations.

Exploring the Origins and Evolution of Cockney Rhyming Slang

• The origins of Cockney rhyming slang are difficult to trace, but researchers have come close.
• Rhyming slang originated in Seven Dials, a market place in Westminster, London, in the 1840s.
• Rhyming slang was not created by Cockneys but by the working class, particularly hard-drinking pub-goers.
• Cockney rhyming slang was historically looked down upon by the rest of England due to its association with lower classes, but today it is associated with working-class pride.
• Cockney rhyming slang is still widely understood in Britain.
• While it can be confounding, researching the origins of the slang can lead to a better understanding of its meaning.

Summary

Origins and Usage of Cockney Rhyming Slang

Cockney Rhyming Slang is a fascinating language system that originated in East London. It involves replacing a word with a two-word phrase that rhymes with it. While it is often associated with lower class, working-class individuals, and even British criminals in movies, it is not necessarily exclusive to them. Speaking with a Cockney accent or using Cockney rhyming slang was a point of pride for the Cockney group. The origins of Cockney rhyming slang are still debated, and it’s possible that someone else came up with it. The language is constantly evolving, incorporating new celebrities and cultural references.

Popularity and Spread of Cockney Rhyming Slang

Cockney rhyming slang has gained popularity due to its fun and coded nature. It has been around for over 150 years and continues to evolve with new words being added. The distinct Britishness of Cockney rhyming slang contributes to its appeal. While it is localized to the East London area, even people in London might not agree on the specific meanings of words. Cockney rhyming slang has also found its way to other parts of the world, such as Australia and the west coast of the US.

Exploring the Origins and Evolution of Cockney Rhyming Slang

The origins of Cockney rhyming slang are challenging to trace, but researchers have made progress in identifying its beginnings in Seven Dials, Westminster. It was not exclusively created by Cockneys but by the working class, particularly those who frequented pubs. Historically, Cockney rhyming slang was looked down upon by the rest of England, but today it is associated with working-class pride. Despite its confounding nature, studying the origins of Cockney rhyming slang can provide insights into historical pronunciations and cultural contexts.

Conclusion

Cockney Rhyming Slang is a unique and fascinating language system that originated in East London. Its origins, usage, and evolution offer insights into the cultural and linguistic history of the region. Despite its confounding nature, Cockney rhyming slang continues to be widely understood and appreciated in Britain. Exploring this linguistic phenomenon provides a window into the past and highlights the creativity and pride of the working class. So, next time you come across phrases like “apples and pears” or “trouble and strife,” you’ll have a better understanding of the rich history behind them.