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Cockney Rhyming Slang
Daniel Smith
Extent: 160pages
Size: 198x129mm
Publication Date: 06/08/2015
About the Book
The definitive guide to the vibrant and inventive language of the East End, featuring history, trivia and anecdotes.
Cockney rhyming slang originated as a secret code among the thieves of London's East End. Adopted by costermongers and market traders, it fast became a vibrant patois that defined a community, confused the police and evolved to include ever more colourful rhyming phrases.
Constantly updated and added to ever since, and fostered by Londoners citywide, it has long enlivened the streets of one of the world's most quirky and fascinating capitals.
Cockney Rhyming Slang explores the origins and meanings of both commonly used and lesser-known phrases, taking in traditional slang as well as modern additions. Combining history, trivia, quotes and anecdotes, it is the definitive guide to cockney rhyming slang for locals and language lovers alike.
About the Author
Daniel Smith is a non-fiction author and editor who has written across a range of subjects, including politics, economics and social history. He is the author of The Little Book of Big Ideas: 150 Concepts and Breakthroughs that Transformed History and the 'How to Think Like …' series for Michael O'Mara Books, which has been published in 25 languages and sold over 500,000 copies worldwide. He is also a scriptwriter for the award-winning podcast series, Real Dictators and A Short History of . . . He lives in London with his wife and two children.
Reviews
- 'Try this
- explores the history and meanings of phrases both famous and obscure.', The Times
- 'It's handy, sure, and a right old laugh.', Loaded
- 'An enjoyable read.', Best of British