Cockney Slang for Money, Food, and Drink
Imagine walking into an East End pub, going to the bar, and ordering a “Ruby Murray.” Instead of a song, you get a plate of curry. Welcome to Cockney Rhyming Slang Part 3! We are exploring some of the fun Cockney words for money, food, and drink. From counting your ‘bees’ to ordering a ‘Rosie Lee,.’ Hopefully, you’ll learn some new Cockney terms and maybe even feel a bit hungry in the process! Just be warned that in London’s East End, dinner might cost you a ‘pony’ (and that has nothing to do with horses!
Slang for Money
In cockney rhyming slang, ‘bees and honey,’ ‘bread and honey,’ readies, and dosh all mean money, then there are some classic and modern twists like a lolly, loot, and lovely ‘bees.’ If a Cockney says, “I’m a bit short on bees this week, mate,” it means they don’t have much money. It’s a fun way to talk about finances and can make being broke feel less serious.
Here are some other references:
- "Pony" = £25:
In Cockney slang, “pony” means £25. It’s a bit tricky. “Pony and trap” rhymes with “crap” and somehow became linked to £25. Language can be odd but interesting! You might hear, “Lend us a pony; I’m broke!”
- “Score” = £20:
The term “score” for £20 comes from Old English, where “score” means twenty. It’s a basic way to refer to twenty pounds. A Cockney might say, “That new outfit cost me a score, but it’s worth it!”
- “Ayrton Senna” = £10 note (Tenner):
“Ayrton Senna” rhymes with “tenner,” a slang term for a £10 note. This shows how Cockney slang adapts by using modern names and keeping it current. “Can you break an Ayrton Senna for me?”.
- “Lady Godiva” = £5 note (Fiver):
Lady Godiva, famous for her daring ride, is linked to the £5 note. “Lady Godiva” rhymes with “fiver,” a slang term for a £5 note. This is an example of Cockney humor, blending history and culture into everyday language. “A Lady Godiva will get you a pint and a packet of crisps.”
- Hold the ‘Bread’!
Here’s a fun fact: In American English, “bread” can mean money, but not in Cockney Rhyming Slang. If a Cockney talks about ‘bread,’ they likely mean actual loaves, not money. It shows how slang can vary even within English.
‘Ruby Murray’ and ‘Bubble and Squeak’
Now that we’ve sorted our ‘bees,’ let’s focus on something more essential: food! Cockney slang is full of colorful terms for London’s culinary delights (and maybe not-so-delightful aspects).
Iconic Edibles
- “Ruby Murray” = Curry:
“Ruby Murray” means curry and comes from a popular Irish singer from the 1950s. It rhymes with “curry” and shows how Cockney slang includes cultural influences. Asking for a “Ruby Murray” draws reference to mid-20th-century pop culture. “Want a Ruby Murray on Brick Lane tonight?” suggests going to London’s Curry Mile.
- Muttons = Legs:
“Muttons” means legs in Cockney slang. It comes from “mutton jeff,” which rhymes with “deaf.” Over time, “muttons” started to mean legs. “My muttons are aching’ after all that walkin’,” after a long day on their ‘plates of meat’ (feet!).
- Bubble and squeak = Fried Cabbage and Potatoes:
“Bubble and squeak” is a traditional English dish made from fried leftover cabbage and potatoes. In Cockney slang, it rhymes with “Greek” and is humorously used to mean Greek takeaway food. “Let’s get some bubble and squeak from the place on the corner.”
Cockney Terms for Drinks
Thirsty for more Cockney slang? Let’s explore some rhyming terms for drinks, from pub staples to everyday cuppas. Cockney slang ensures you’ll never be short of a colorful way to order your beverage of choice.
- “Rosy Lee” = Tea.
“Rosy Lee” rhymes with “tea” and is a classic Cockney term. It refers to a cup of Tea, often linked to East End cafes and afternoon breaks. *“Fancy a Rosy Lee, love?” inviting you for Tea.
- "Britney Spears" = Beers:
A modern Cockney classic! “Britney Spears” rhymes with “beers,” showing how the slang stays current and includes pop culture. Ordering a “Britney Spears” is a fun way to ask for a beer in a London pub. “Let’s go to the pub for a couple of Britney Spears,”
- “Nelson Eddy” = Ready:
This is a clever rhyme. “Nelson Eddy” is a singer’s name, and it rhymes with “ready.” So, asking “Fancy a Nelson?” in Cockney slang means “Are you ready for a drink?” It’s a subtle example of Cockney humor!
Can You Guess These Cockney Food & Drink Rhymes?
Test your knowledge of Cockney rhyming slang! Can you figure out these phrases?
(Answers are below – no peeking!)
- “Duck and dive”? (Means: To ______ )
- “Loop the loop”? (Means: ______ )
- “Pig’s Ear”? (Means: ______ )
- “Whistle and Flute”? (Means: ______ )
(Answers: 1. Hide, 2. Soup, 3. Beer, 4. Suit)
Share Your Favorite Cockney Slang
Have you ever heard Cockney slang for money, food, or drink in your area? Maybe someone ordered a ‘Ruby Murray’ or said they’re ‘short on bees.’ Share your stories and favorite Cockney terms in the comments!
In the next post, we’ll explore how Cockneys talk about people and relationships, like their “dustbin lids” (kids), the “trouble and strife” (wife), or your: china plates” (mates). So, don’t be a ‘Charlie’ (fool). Look out for the next installment!
Images were created using ChatGPT and Canva, for which I hold a commercial license. Edited with the assistance of Grammarly. #CWH #Cockney #Rhyming #London