KIDS

Hiya Sprogs (British slang for “Hey Kids”),

CHIPSHOP thought you might be chuffed to bits (really pleased) to learn some British slang and a special language called Cockney Rhyming Slang.  Read about it below and then send us your best try at British Slang.

Here is some British slang that could come in handy for a kid:

British Slang

Next, let’s move on to rhyming slang…

What is Cockney Rhyming Slang?
Cockney Rhyming Slang is a code language that was developed in the early part of the 18th century in the East End of London.  Some say it was used to speak in front of police without detection or for vendors to speak in front of their customers without being understood. You could use it in front of your parents so they don’t know what you’re talking about (sorry “rents”).

What is a Cockney?
Someone from the East End of London is considered to be a Cockney if they were born within hearing distance of the sound of Bow bells (of the Church of St Mary Le Bow In Cheapside, London).  The CHIPSHOP owners were married in the heart of the East End near Bow bells. The best they can hope for is to be “Mockneys.”

How does it work?

It uses a phrase that rhymes with a normal English word to stand for that word.

Can you “Adam & Eve” it?  Translation:  Can you “believe” it?
But it can be more difficult than that since usually the last part of the phrase is left off:
“I’m on the ‘dog’” is short for “I’m on the ‘dog and bone.’” Which translates to “I’m on the ‘phone.’”
Here’s a sentence using it:
“Allo me old china – wot say we pop round to my cat and mouse for a cuppa Rosie Lee.
Translation:
Hello my old friend (mate -- china plate) – what do you say we pop around to my house (cat and mouse) for a cup of tea (Rosie Lee).


Your turn at being a “Mockney”
Below is a glossary of some standard rhyming slang. Please send us your best effort at using rhyming slang (plus you can use standard British slang that we discussed above) and it could get a spot on our site! Please keep it to just a sentence or so (no more than 4) and somewhat respectable although bathroom language is absolutely allowed and encouraged.

Please send your rhyming slang submission to: [email protected]
By sending us an email with your submission you acknowledge that you are at least 13 years old.  You may include your first name, age and city if you’d like those included on the website.   We promise not to keep and use your email for any purpose.

Cockney Slang