rhyming slang
Noun: A type of slang, particularly associated with Cockney speech in London, where a common word is replaced by a phrase that rhymes with it. Often, the rhyming part of the phrase is then omitted in actual usage, making the slang cryptic to outsiders.
"Rhyming slang" is used as a non-count noun to describe this linguistic phenomenon as a whole. It is typically discussed in the context of linguistics, British culture, or specific dialects. - Cockney rhyming slang is a famous feature of London's East End. - The term "apples and pears" is rhyming slang for "stairs".
- In explanation:
- In cultural context:
- Specific instance:
- Ellipsis in Rhyming Slang: A key advanced feature is the common omission of the rhyming word. For example, "I'm going up the apples" (from "apples and pears" for "stairs") or "Use your loaf" (from "loaf of bread" for "head").
- Modern Adaptations: While traditionally Cockney, rhyming slang principles are sometimes applied to create new, often humorous, slang terms for modern concepts.
- Cockney rhyming slang: The most well-known and traditional form of this slang.
- Australian rhyming slang: A similar tradition that developed in Australia, e.g., "Captain Cook" for "look".
- Cant (a more general term for secret language used by a group)
- Argot (a more general term for the jargon or slang of a particular group)
- "On the dog": From "dog and bone" (rhyming slang for "phone"), meaning on the telephone.
- "Have a butcher's": From "butcher's hook" (rhyming slang for "look"), meaning to have a look.
While not idioms in the traditional sense, many rhyming slang phrases function idiomatically because their meaning is not deducible from the individual words. - "Berk": A mild insult, from "Berkeley Hunt" (rhyming slang for a vulgar term). - "Bread": Money, from "bread and honey". I need to earn some bread.
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slang that replaces words with rhyming words or expressions and then typically omits the rhyming component
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Cockney rhyming slang
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