My interest in Cockney Rhyming Slang arises

from my intrigue with my father’s extensive use

of working-class London slang, interspersed

with rhyming words and phrases, during my

twenty years at home. Both of my parents

completed their education at age 14 and sub-

sequently joined the workforce alongside other

working-class Londoners in the 1930s, 40s,

and 50s; thus, they were well-versed in the

vernacular common to their social class.

In the pages that follow, it is my hope that you

find this collection both informative and engag-

ing. For some, it may evoke memories of

words heard long ago. For others, it may en-

hance your understanding and enjoyment of

British television, films, and song lyrics. Read-

ers who are more familiar with American than

British English may still find some terms puz-

zling unless they identify the American equiva-

lent. Fortunately, numerous British-to-American dictionaries are available, including

my own.

Finally, a word of caution. Some readers may

find certain language within this publication of-

fensive. As is often the case with slang expres-

sions, some reflect the prejudices of their us-

ers, some are vulgar, and some are explicitly

offensive. Although I have not included all po-

tentially offensive language, there are likely

enough expressions to disquiet sensitive read-

ers.