People, Relationships, and Playful Insults
Imagine hearing somebody say, “The dustbin lids are telling pork pies about your old china?” Lost? Without a doubt, unless you are familiar with the lingo or good at guessing, you probably have no idea what they are talking about.
Let's break it down. In Cockney Rhyming Slang, “dustbin lids” means kids, “pork pies” or “porky pies” means lies, and “china” (short for china plate) means mate. It's a family drama, Cockney style!
Family Terms
Cockney rhyming slang is a fun and humorous way of describing family and loved ones. It uses clever nicknames for everyone, from spouses to children, uniquely capturing affection and family dynamics. Here's a list of popular Cockney rhyming slang terms for family members and close friends, each with its rhyme and meaning. These terms add warmth and humor to everyday conversations:
- Wife - Trouble and Strife: Describes a spouse
- Ball and Chain: A funny or sarcastic way to describe your partner or other half
- Daughter - Piano and Forte or Bricks and Mortar
- Sister - Skin and Blister
- Cuddle and Kiss: A variation on sister but showing affection.
- Mother - Kettle and Hob
- Father - Pot and Pan
- Uncle - Uncle Fred
- Niece - Bread and Cheese
- Deceased Loved One - Tea and Toast
- Mate (Friend) - China Plate
- Close Friends - Fish and Chips
- Playful Child - Syrup of Figs
- Cute (Child) - Daisy Root
- Dustbin lids - Kids
- Curly whirly - Girl
- Basin of gravy - Baby
- Tea leaf - Thief
- Stainless steel - Real deal
Playful Humor
Cockney insults are often more about playful banter than being truly offensive. Here are some common Cockney rhyming terms:
- Septic Tank: "Yank" (American).
- Jam Jar: Describes a "Car."
- Baked Bean: Refers to a "Queen."
- Merchant Banker: Refers to a "Wanker."
Match the Insult to Its Meaning!
“He’s a total sausage!”
“She’s a right Britney!”
“Don’t be such a charlie!”
“He’s a proper berk!”
Answers:
Annoying person (Sausage roll = troll)
Drunk (Britney Spears = beers)
Fool (Charlie Chaplin = chaplin = chap = Charlie)
Fool (Berkshire Hunt = C**t – ‘berk’ is a softened version)
For more on East End history or the origins of slang terms, check out resources like the Jewish Museum London or online slang dictionaries.
Images were created using Canva. Edited with the assistance of Grammarly.
#CWH #Cockney #Rhyming #London