How to Learn Cockney Rhyming Slang

Real Cockneys are born within the sound of Big Ben's chimes.

George Bernard Shaw observed that "America and England are two nations divided by a common language." This is never more apparent than when Cockney rhyming slang is spoken. It originated in London, but is spoken all over Great Britain. It is baffling for the first-time listener. Once you pick up the pattern of it, then it's all "lemon squeezy" (easy).

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

It's All Gone A Bit Nick Cottton

1. Listen to how those who live in Southern England talk. Get used to how they pronounce words. Cockney rhyming slang is based on Cockney pronunciation, not American pronunciation, not even Lancashire pronunciation.

2. Watch television shows or news reports based in London, where the local accent is used. It's better to actually go to Southern England and talk to the locals, but if you can't do that, thisis the next best thing. BBC News reporters use the Oxford accent, which is not Cockney.

3. Pay attention to an odd phrase that seems out of place in the locals' talk. This could be names of people, objects or places. Many times, there will be two objects named. For example, we'll look at "nun and habit."

4. Focus on the "habit" part. The meaning is contained in the last word or syllable. In this case, "nun and habit" is Cockney rhyming slang for "rabbit."

5. Repeat use. In time, you will be able to understand long-term Cockney rhyming slang users who lop off the second part of the phrase. So, just hearing "nun" is short for "nun and habit" which still means "rabbit."

6. Keep alert for different phrases spoken by the locals that seem out of place. These will be more rhyming slang that you can memorize.

Tips & Warnings

• One of the best BBC television shows that will help you with the most common cockney rhyming slang is "The Minder." Other shows include "EastEnders" and "Only Fools and Horses."

• A fantastic mystery where cockney rhyming slang plays a major clue is "Driving Force" by Dick Francis.

• You have to keep using cockney rhyming slang in order to really pick it up.

• Don't suddenly make up rhymes. No one will know what you are saying. Wait until a new rhyme slang couplet hits the streets and the newspapers and then you can use it.

Resources

• The Bible In Cockney: Well Bits of It, Anyway
• The Unofficial Fans of Minder Homepage
• The Cockney Rhyming Slang Dictionary
• Driving Force