A guide to Cockney rhyming slang

Cockney rhyming slang is known around the world but how much do you know about this East London language construct?

Of the many accents and dialects that make up the United Kingdom, Cockney slang is arguably the one that has the furthest reach and is best known around the world.

Natives of East London are considered Cockney, and their manner of speech is filled with clever rhyming schemes that will have your head spinning!

Some of the slang incorporated in the Cockney dialect will have you wondering what on earth the speaker means, so we figured we would compile this list to help you out!

Brown bread

If someone is 'brown bread', they've sadly passed away.

On the floor

'On the floor' is a way of describing someone without any money.

Army and navy 

If you ever find yourself in east London and someone asks you to 'pass the army and navy', they're looking for the gravy!

Box of toys

A fun way of talking about a loud noise!

Baked Bean

If someone is chatting about the 'baked bean', it might surprise you to find out that they are in fact referring to Queen Elizabeth.

Whistle and flute

When you're asked where you got your new 'whistle and flute', whoever you're chatting with wants to know where you got your new suit.

Brass tacks

'Brass tacks' are facts.

Bubble bath

A bubble bath is a good laugh, so if you're asked for a 'pint and a bubble bath' don't take it the wrong way!

Dog and bone 

Your 'dog and bone' is your phone.

Early hours

Early hours are flowers, as lower buyers have to keep very early hours to buy their produce at Covent Garden flower market.

Fireman’s nose

If you were to take a punch right on the fireman's hose, you would have a very sore nose!

Apples and pears

A flight of 'apples and pears' is a flight of stairs.

Well there you have it, 12 of our favorite Cockney rhyming slang phrases that will help you understand this tricky dialect.

Next time you find yourself in the East End, be sure to whip some of these phrases out!