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The Cockney people wanted a way to speak to one another that other Englishmen didn't understand, so they started using rhyming slang. This was especially popular among criminals, who didn't want the police to understand their speech.

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Cockney rhyming slang is believed to have originated in the East End of London during the 19th century as a way for people to communicate without others understanding them. By substituting a word with a rhyming phrase (where the rhyming word is omitted), it allowed speakers to convey meaning while creating confusion for outsiders. Over time, it became a part of the cultural fabric of London's working-class community.

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Q: How did cockney rhyming slang begin?
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Continue Learning about Linguistics

What is a hundred pounds in Cockney slang?

A "ton" is Cockney rhyming slang for a hundred pounds.


How was cockney rhyming slang used?

Cockney rhyming slang was a form of coded language used by working-class Londoners to communicate without being understood by outsiders. It involved substituting a word with a rhyming phrase, using the non-rhyming portion of the phrase to convey the intended meaning. This form of slang was popular in the early 20th century but has since declined in usage.


How does Cockney rhyming slang work?

Cockney rhyming slang is a form of slang in which a word or phrase is replaced by a rhyming phrase, with the rhyming word omitted. For example, "apples and pears" rhymes with "stairs," so "apples" might be used to mean stairs. It is a way of speaking that developed in the East End of London as a form of secret language among the working-class community.


In which city did Cockney Rhyming Slang originate?

Cockney Rhyming Slang originated in London, specifically in the East End. It developed in the 19th century among working-class Londoners as a way to communicate secretly in a city known for its diverse and sprawling population.


When did cockney rhyming slang start?

Cockney rhyming slang is believed to have originated in the mid-19th century among the working-class population in the East End of London, primarily among market traders and street sellers. It was a way for them to communicate without being understood by outsiders or authorities.