rhyming slang: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal
Quick answer
What does “rhyming slang” mean?
A type of slang, chiefly British and Australian, in which a word is replaced by a phrase that rhymes with it.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of slang, chiefly British and Australian, in which a word is replaced by a phrase that rhymes with it.
A linguistic phenomenon and code, originating in London's Cockney culture, where the intended word is often omitted, leaving only the non-rhyming part of the phrase. It functions as a form of in-group communication and playful obfuscation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Rhyming slang is culturally central to the UK (especially London), with many terms widely understood (e.g., 'have a butcher's' from 'butcher's hook' = look). In the US, it is primarily an object of linguistic study or a cultural curiosity, with few terms integrated into general speech.
Connotations
In the UK, it strongly connotes Cockney and London heritage, often used humorously or nostalgically. In the US, it connotes something quintessentially British.
Frequency
High cultural frequency in the UK, but actual usage varies by region and generation. Very low frequency in everyday American English.
Grammar
How to Use “rhyming slang” in a Sentence
[Subject] uses rhyming slang.[Subject] is an example of rhyming slang.Rhyming slang for [Word] is [Phrase].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “rhyming slang” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He tried to **rhyme-slang** his way out of trouble, but no one understood him.
- They often **use rhyming slang** when talking amongst themselves.
American English
- The documentary explained how Cockneys **create rhyming slang**.
adverb
British English
- He said it **rhyming-slang-style**, leaving us confused.
- She explained it **using rhyming slang**.
American English
- He described the process **in a rhyming-slang fashion**.
adjective
British English
- It was a classic **rhyming-slang** expression.
- His **rhyming-slang** vocabulary was impressive.
American English
- She showed us a **rhyming-slang** dictionary from London.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in linguistics, sociology, and cultural studies to discuss language variation, subcultures, and coded communication.
Everyday
Used when explaining or joking about British culture, or when using well-known rhyming slang terms.
Technical
A precise term in linguistics for a type of lexical substitution based on rhyme.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “rhyming slang”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “rhyming slang”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “rhyming slang”
- Using 'rhyming slang' as an adjective (e.g., 'a rhyming slang word' – better: 'a rhyming slang term' or 'a word from rhyming slang').
- Assuming all British people use it daily.
- Believing the rhyming word is always spoken (often it's dropped).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but selectively. While it originated in the 19th century, some terms remain widely known and used in the UK (e.g., 'blow a raspberry' from 'raspberry tart' = fart). New terms are occasionally coined, often for contemporary figures or brands.
No. Many rhyming slang terms have permeated general British and Australian English. Phrases like 'have a butcher's' (look) or 'telling porkies' (pork pies = lies) are understood by millions who are not Cockney.
This truncation is a key feature that adds to the obscurity and in-group nature of the slang. It turns the phrase into a kind of puzzle. For example, 'I'm going up the apples' (apples and pears = stairs) requires the listener to know the full phrase.
Not as a systematic, culturally rooted tradition comparable to Cockney rhyming slang. American English has isolated examples of rhyming slang (like 'on the sneak' from 'sneak peek'), but it is largely considered a borrowing or imitation of the British form.
A type of slang, chiefly British and Australian, in which a word is replaced by a phrase that rhymes with it.
Rhyming slang is usually informal in register.
Rhyming slang: in British English it is pronounced /ˌraɪmɪŋ ˈslæŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌraɪmɪŋ ˈslæŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's all gone a bit Pete Tong.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'LYING SANG' - a song that doesn't tell the truth directly. Rhyming slang 'lies' by not saying the word directly, and 'sang' reminds you of rhyme and song.
Conceptual Metaphor
LANGUAGE IS A CODE / LANGUAGE IS A GAME.
Practice
Quiz
In the rhyming slang 'dog and bone', what word is actually meant?