5 definitions by Santi
Cockney rhyming slang is a form of English slang which originated in the East End of London. Many of its expressions have passed into common language, and the creation of new ones is no longer restricted to Cockneys.
Rhyming slang developed as a way of obscuring the meaning of sentences to those who did not understand the slang, though it remains a matter of speculation whether this was a linguistic accident, or whether it was developed intentionally to assist criminals or to maintain a particular community.
Rhyming slang works by replacing the word to be obscured with the first word of a phrase that rhymes with that word. For instance, "face" would be replaced by "boat", because face rhymes with "boat race". Similarly "feet" becomes "plates" ("plates of meat"), and "money" is "bread" (a very common usage, from "bread and honey"). Sometimes the full phrase is used, for example "Currant Bun" to mean "The Sun" (often referring to the British Tabloid Newspaper of that name). There is no hard and fast rule for this, and you just have to know whether a particular expression is always shortened, never shortened, or can be used either way.
Rhyming slang developed as a way of obscuring the meaning of sentences to those who did not understand the slang, though it remains a matter of speculation whether this was a linguistic accident, or whether it was developed intentionally to assist criminals or to maintain a particular community.
Rhyming slang works by replacing the word to be obscured with the first word of a phrase that rhymes with that word. For instance, "face" would be replaced by "boat", because face rhymes with "boat race". Similarly "feet" becomes "plates" ("plates of meat"), and "money" is "bread" (a very common usage, from "bread and honey"). Sometimes the full phrase is used, for example "Currant Bun" to mean "The Sun" (often referring to the British Tabloid Newspaper of that name). There is no hard and fast rule for this, and you just have to know whether a particular expression is always shortened, never shortened, or can be used either way.
by Santi July 11, 2005
A single cigarette that is "loose", as opposed to tightly packed with 19 other cigarettes in a pack.
Since cigarettes are usually sold in packs of 20 for ridiculous prices, shop owners have taken to selling single, "loose" cigarettes rather than whole packs.
Since cigarettes are usually sold in packs of 20 for ridiculous prices, shop owners have taken to selling single, "loose" cigarettes rather than whole packs.
by Santi July 11, 2005
In cockney rhyming slang, to "have a butcher's" means to have a look, from the rhyming slang "butcher's hook".
Let's have a buthcer's around the grounds then, shall we?
by Santi July 11, 2005
To have sex with an exceedingly unattractive, usually fat person, especially whilst inebriated.
Derived from the movie Coneheads wherein Beldar must fight a hideous, greasy tusk-beast.
Derived from the movie Coneheads wherein Beldar must fight a hideous, greasy tusk-beast.
by Santi July 12, 2005