Stuff You Should Know

Selects: Cockney Rhyming Slang: Beautiful Gibberish

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Sep 23, 2023
Dive into the whimsical world of Cockney rhyming slang, where humor meets history! Discover how this playful dialect evolved from social interactions, revealing its rich cultural roots. The hosts share quirky phrases and anecdotes, exploring the charm and confusion of integrating this slang into conversation. Uncover the possible origins linked to Irish dock workers and enjoy a delightful discussion on its enduring appeal, even beyond England. Plus, hear a bizarre listener story that hilariously ties into the concept of societal fears.
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ANECDOTE

Barney Rubble Example

  • In Ocean's 11, "Barney Rubble" stood for "trouble."
  • This demonstrates how seemingly unrelated phrases replace words in Cockney rhyming slang.
ANECDOTE

Baked Bean Example

  • "Baked bean" is Cockney rhyming slang for "Queen."
  • One might say, "Look who's on TV. It's the baked bean!"
ANECDOTE

Apples and Pears Example

  • "Apples and pears" rhymes with "stairs," becoming just "apples."
  • This illustrates the common shortening of Cockney rhyming slang phrases.
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