Having been born and bred in London, I've come to learn a thing or three about Cockney Rhyming Slang.
For those not from the UK (or London), it's basically a subset of idioms that sprang out of the East End way back when. It's typically used among working-class folk, though, sadly, it is also something of a dying breed these days as we live in an ever-connected, ever-transient world.
I could write a book on just how many there are, much to Lady Laura's disgust.
Despite being born — like me — to a working-class family here in the capital, she detests cockney rhymes with a burning passion.
I honestly think she was a highborn in her previous life.
Truly distasteful.
Anyway, enough smearing our resident Lady, as I can already feel the Eye of Sauron burning my back.
Here are 10 cockney rhymes (and their meanings) you've probably never heard of:
1. Apples and pears = Stairs
"Those apples and pears did my knees in!"
2. Trouble and strife = Wife
"The trouble and strife wants me home early."
3. Loaf of bread = Head
"Use your loaf!" (Often shortened to just loaf.)
4. Dog and bone = Phone
"Answer the dog for God's sake."
5. Barnet Fair = Hair
"I'm off to get my Barnet cut."
6. Plates of meat = Feet
"My plates are killing me."
7. Boat race = Face
"Wipe that grin off your boat."
8. Mince pies = Eyes
"I couldn't believe my mince pies."
9. Butcher's hook = Look
"Have a butcher's at this." (Often shortened to just butcher's.)
10. Pork pies = Lies
"He's telling porkies!" (Usually shortened to porkies.)
I don't know about you, but I found myself chuckling at some of these.
Who knows, perhaps we'll do a Part 2 soon.
Now, if you enjoyed these little cultural adages, you might just love the exchanges found in The Divided Region.
Particularly from Jangar, our northern and rambunctious brute of a man.
Also a character much loved by fans of the series.
Though he didn't quite endear himself to readers at the beginning.
If you'd like to know why, you'll find out pretty quickly in the early chapters of Exiled, which you can grab here in ebook, audiobook or paperback:
https://djjwatsonstore.com/products/Exiled
DJJW