RHYMING SLANG
You’ve probably heard about Cockney rhyming slang. This handy little guide tells you all about it.
The rhymes below are completely bona fide expressions used by all self-respecting Londoners and many of the characters in this novel.
APPLES AND PEARS = Stairs
JELLIED EEL = Deal
CROWN JEWELS = Tools
SHAKE AND SHIVER = River
LEMON AND LIME = Time
SAUSAGE AND MASH = Cash
WEASEL AND STOAT = Coat
SMASH AND GRAB - Cab
RUBY MURRAY = Curry
So you get the picture. All the above are 100% authentic Cockney phrases. So why not try them out all over the East End of London? Amaze local Cockney lads with a chirpy “Oi, luv, show us your apples and chunder rants!” (= underpants). That’ll prove to them that you understand the whole rhyming slang malarkey and are truly one of the gang.