apples and pears: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowColloquial, Cockney rhyming slang.
Quick answer
What does “apples and pears” mean?
A rhyming slang term for 'stairs'.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A rhyming slang term for 'stairs'.
A classic example of Cockney rhyming slang where a phrase (apples and pears) rhymes with and substitutes for the target word (stairs). The slang can be used in its full form or shortened to just 'apples' (e.g., "I'm going up the apples").
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Exclusively a British (particularly English) phenomenon. Almost entirely unknown and unused in standard American English.
Connotations
In the UK, it strongly connotes traditional Cockney/London culture. It may be used nostalgically or to signal cultural identity.
Frequency
Very low frequency even in the UK, largely confined to historical context, deliberate use of rhyming slang, or media representations.
Grammar
How to Use “apples and pears” in a Sentence
[Subject] + go up/down + the + apples and pearsVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used, except in linguistics or cultural studies.
Everyday
Rarely used in modern everyday conversation; can be found in period dramas or comedic contexts.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “apples and pears”
- Using it in a literal sense (e.g., 'I bought some apples and pears').
- Using it in formal writing.
- Assuming Americans will understand it.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a classic example of Cockney rhyming slang but is rarely used in serious modern conversation. It is more often cited as an example of the slang than actually used.
Yes, that is common in rhyming slang. You might hear 'I'll be up the apples' meaning 'I'll be up the stairs'.
Generally, no. Most Americans would only understand it if they have a specific interest in British culture or linguistics. They would interpret it literally as fruit.
It is extremely informal and colloquial. It should never be used in formal, academic, or business contexts.
A rhyming slang term for 'stairs'.
Apples and pears: in British English it is pronounced /ˌæp.əlz ən ˈpeəz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæp.əlz ən ˈperz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He's a bit weak at the top of the apples (he's not very intelligent).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine carrying a basket of apples and pears up a long flight of STAIRS. The fruit is heavy, so you remember the rhyme.
Conceptual Metaphor
ABSTRACT CONCEPT (stairs) IS REPRESENTED BY A CONCRETE PHRASE (apples and pears) VIA RHYME.
Practice
Quiz
What does the rhyming slang 'apples and pears' mean?