Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Trouble and Strife…

In the UK you can claim to be a real cockney if you were born within the sound of Bow Bells.

St Mary-le-Bow is the church of the ubiquitous ‘Cockney‘. imageIndeed to be an authentic cockney you must be born within the sound of ‘Bow Bells.’ The term ‘cockney, was originally applied to a small or misshapen egg, which was sometimes referred to as a cock's egg. The Oxford English Dictionary claims that the first use of the word as a reference to native Londoners was in 1521, when it was used by writer Whitinton. In 1617 John Minsheu wrote in his Ductor in Linguas that the word originated thus. 'A cockney or cockny, applied only to one born within the sound of Bow bell, that is in the City of London, a tearme coming first out of this tale. That a citizen's sonne riding with his father in the country, asked when he heard a horse neigh what the horse did; his father answered "neigh." Riding further he heard a cock crow, and said: "Does the cock neigh too?"' Whatever the origin of the term it was intended as a term of flattery for it was applied contemptuously by rural people to native Londoners who lived by their wits as opposed to by their muscle.”

Following on from that interesting fact Cockney folk used to have a language all of their own which was spoken in rhyme.  For instance, trouble and strife meant wife.  Apples and pears stood for stairs.

Rhyming slang phrases are derived from taking an expression which rhymes with a word and then using that expression instead of the word. For example the word "look" rhymes with "butcher's hook". In many cases the rhyming word is omitted - so you won't find too many Londoners having a "butcher's hook" at this site, but you might find a few having a "butcher's".

Cockney rhyming slang originated in the East End of London. Some slang expressions have escaped from London and are in popular use throughout the rest of Britain. For example "use your loaf" is an everyday phrase for the us in UK, but not too many people realise it is Cockney Rhyming Slang ("loaf of bread: head").

Further examples for your amusement and interest (the phrase is written first, with the word that is actually said aloud is on brackets and the translation comes last!)

Dickie dirt (dickie)= shirt
Almond rocks (almonds)= Socks
Whistle and flute( whistle)= suit
Jam Jar (Jam)= car
Mickey Mouse (Mickey)= house, can also be Cat and mouse
Dog and bone (Dog)=phone
Trouble and strife (trouble)= wife
China plate (china) = Mate/friend
Moby Dick (moby)= sick
Porky pie (porky/porkies)= lie
Ruby Murray (Ruby) Curry
Adam and Eve (Adam and Eve)= Believe
Cream crackered (crackered)= knackered/tired

That's just a few, so the next time someone uses any of these you might (just) be able to figure out what they're talking about!

Meanwhile, the main reason for this post was not to dwell on Cockney slang but try to move away from all the ‘trouble and strife’ in the world today!  Most recently the terrible fate of those poor young people in Norway who were killed by a deranged madman.  A sad reflection on today’s world when such acts can be perpetrated so easily.  Imagine, someone dresses up as a policeman, a member of the public we have all been taught to respect; a keeper of the peace, law and order!  Only to find this man dressed up as one and then going on a shooting rampage.

For this reason I thought I would post some ‘happy’ pictures of items made by the BBEST team.  Just for a few minutes take you mind of today’s sad world and browse some wonderful talent!

Garden Sunshine by Pocketcomfort

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Highly collectible miniature altered art quilt *ACEO measures just 2.5" by 3.5”

Good Day Sunshine by MagdaleneKnits

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“I need to laugh and when the sun is out
I've got something I can laugh about
I feel good in a special way
I'm in love and it's a sunny day
Good Day Sunshine”

Sunshine and Shadow flower by Zudagay

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This summery flower focal features sculpted petals on a sturdy base and a button center

Fused Glass Night light by Chris1

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A fun night light that will make you smile

Garden of Joy by JNoriginals

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Just in time to brighten your day is this blossom brooch that will dress up your jacket or sweater, a hat and even a purse!

Hibiscus Flower by Sixsisters

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It is a happy looking flower!

So, hopefully, by now you will have had your mind taken off any unpleasantness and had a bubble bath (bubble)= laugh!

11 comments:

Pamela Baker said...

Absolutely loved reading your blog and learning the meaning of many of the Cockney phrases which I grew up heaing often never quite knowing the full extent of their meaning. My grandfather who along with my grandmother raised me; he came from Hull,UK - on the North shore. So I am honored to be among those whose sunny items will bring a smile to those on these hot hot days.

As for the tragedy in Oslo - my prayers and thoughts for all of those who had to suffer had the hands of one man who is dissatified with today's world. this is happening just too often.

Judi said...

A hugely interesting read -- enjoyed all I read and learned in the process! What a great start to the day .... thank you, Pat! And, thanks for including my little garden sunshine ACEO too!

Zuda Gay Pease said...

This was thoroughly entertaining and left me wondering if they always know what the other guy is saying. :) Too fun! Great happy picks as well. Thank you for including my flower.

My thoughts and prayers are with those who have been terrorized in Norway.

yankeegirl said...

I wasn't familiar with any of these phrases so I really enjoyed this post! Thanks for the lessons on Cockney and that no matter what life throws at us we need to step back and smell the roses!

Ceci said...

could never understand cockney...made me laugh.

Sorry state of the world I say. Simpler is better but I'm afraid we're way beyond that.

Julie G. said...

Very interesting stuff here....nice items too!

Colours and Textures said...

Nice post Pat, thanks for the bubble!

The Filigree Garden said...

Interesting post. The way language develops is fascinating. Thanks for taking us away from the dreary news with all the lovely pictures.

Chauncey said...

Fabby fun post, PQ.... and terrific items from the team.

Pam said...

How interesting and fun reading the phrases and history. Thanks for sharing that. And for the very happy creations you selected from the team to take us momentarily away from the strife of life throughout the world.

Fused Glass said...

Very nice and thanks!