Would you Adam and Eve it? The use of Cockney rhyming slang is soon to be cream crackered, according to a survey commissioned by the Museum of London.
The study revealed that among the 2,000 adults questioned – including half born in London – only 20% understood the famous East End lingo.
“For many people, Cockney rhyming slang is intrinsic to the identity of London. However this research suggests that the Cockney dialect itself may not be enjoying the same level of popularity," said Alex Werner, head of history collections at the Museum of London.
ABOVE: Apples and pears (meaning stairs) - one of the few phrases Londoners surveyed understood
The slang, which emerged during the 19th century as a way for London’s immigrant community to talk to each other without being understood, is thought to be being replaced by more modern phrases such as “OMG”, “Innit” and “(It’s all gone) Pete Tong”, thanks to text speak and shows such as The Only Way is Essex.
Think you know your Cockney rhyming slang? Check out these classic phrases:
Apples and Pears = stairs
Adam and Eve = believe
Bacon and eggs = legs
Custard and jelly = telly
Cream crackered = knackered
ABOVE: We'll be getting our bacon and eggs out this summer
Tea leaf = thief
Ruby Murray = curry
Vera Lynn = gin
Donkey’s Ears = years
Lady Godiva = fiver
ABOVE: Vera Lynn and tonic, anyone?
Dickie bird = word
Trouble and strife = wife
Butcher’s hook = look
Barnet Fair = hair
Dog and bone = phone
Pictures: Rex
What do you think? Is the London lingo on its way out? Let us know on Twitter or in the comments section below.
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