Traditionally, someone born within earshot of the bells of St Mary-le-Bow church in Cheapside, London. Also refers to the distinctive East London dialect and accent.
Cockney
Example Sentences
"He speaks with a proper Cockney accent."
"To be a true Cockney, you must be born within earshot of Bow Bells."
"Cockney rhyming slang can be hard to understand."
Etymology & History
British East London native/accent. Traditionally born within sound of Bow Bells (St. Mary-le-Bow church). Rhyming slang dialect. British regional identity.
Word Details
📍
Region
London/Cockney
📅
Era
Modern
✓
Language
Mild
💬
Formality
Slang
Categories:
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Anglotopia's Dictionary of British English 2nd Edition
British Slang from A to Zed
By Jonathan Thomas
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