PhrasesHub

Born within the sound of Bow Bells

    Definitions

      • Being a true Londoner
        Refers to someone who was born and raised in the city of London, specifically within the sound of the bells of Bow Church in the East End. This phrase can also be used to describe someone who has a deep understanding of London's customs, language, and culture.

      • Authenticity and belonging
        Implies a strong sense of belonging and authenticity to the city of London, as being born within the sound of Bow Bells is seen as a defining characteristic of a true Londoner. It can also be used to emphasize a person's pride in their London heritage and roots.

    Examples of Born within the sound of Bow Bells

    • Mary was born and brought up in the historic district of London, within the sound of Bow Bells.

      This means that Mary's birthplace was located within the area where the famous bells of St Mary-le-Bow church, in the district of Cheapside, could be heard. This idiom is associated with the idea that someone is a true Cockney, or a native Londoner, as they were born within the city limits and can claim to have a distinct London accent and identity.

    • Oliver Twist was a true born and bred Cockney, having been born and raised within the sound of Bow Bells.

      This refers to the popular character from Charles Dickens' novel "Oliver Twist", who grew up in the streets of London. The idiom is used to emphasize the fact that Oliver is a true Cockney, given that the area where he was born and raised is considered to be the heart of the city.

    • Despite growing up and being educated in suburban Kent, John always considered himself a true Cockney as he was born within the sound of Bow Bells.

      This highlights the fact that some people can claim to be a true Cockney, despite not having grown up in the traditional urban areas of London. This is due to the fact that the area where the Bow Bells can be heard is considered to be the true heart of the city, and being born within this area is seen as a badge of honor by many.

    • The character of Eliza Doolittle in the musical "My Fair Lady" is often mistakenly believed to be a true Cockney, given that she was born and raised within the sound of Bow Bells.

      This is not entirely accurate, as Eliza's birthplace, in the novel by George Bernard Shaw on which the musical is based, is actually Camberwell, which is some distance away from the Bow Bells. However, this misconception highlights the enduring popularity and association of the phrase "born within the sound of Bow Bells" with the idea of being a true Cockney.

    • Sarah is a true Cockney through and through; she was Born within the sound of Bow Bells in the East End of London.

      This means that Sarah was born within the area covered by the bells of Bow Church in the historic parish of Bow, in the East End of London. This area is traditionally seen as the birthplace of those people who have a strong East London accent, known as Cockneys.

    • His grandparents were both Born within the sound of Bow Bells, and his parents grew up speaking Cockney in that part of London.

      This shows that our speaker's family has been living and speaking the Cockney dialect in East London for many generations, as both his grandparents and parents grew up and spoke Cockney in the area covered by the Bow Bells.

    • Being born just outside the boundaries of the East End means that I'm not a true Cockney, despite being born and brought up in that part of London.

      The speaker is saying that although he was born and brought up in East London, he doesn't strictly qualify as a Cockney because his place of birth was not actually within the traditional Cockney-speaking area around the Bow Bells.

    • Being born in Kent, far away from the sound of Bow Bells, I can't claim to be a real Cockney, despite speaking the dialect and living most of my life in East London.

      The speaker is pointing out that although he grew up and speaks the Cockney dialect, he was actually born far away from the East End, in the county of Kent. Consequently, he doesn't really qualify as a true Cockney, despite his long association with the area.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "born within the sound of Bow Bells" is commonly used to describe someone who is a true Londoner, having been born and raised in the city. It also carries connotations of authenticity, belonging, and pride in one's London heritage.

    It is often used in a positive context, highlighting the unique and rich culture of London and the sense of identity it brings to its inhabitants. However, it can also be used in a more derogatory manner, implying that those who were not born within the sound of Bow Bells may not truly understand or appreciate the city.

    Origin of "Born within the sound of Bow Bells"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the 16th century, when Bow Church was known for its famous bells that could be heard across the city. It was believed that anyone born within the sound of these bells would be a true Cockney, a term used to refer to Londoners from the East End.

    Over the years, the phrase "born within the sound of Bow Bells" has evolved to become a symbol of London pride and identity. It is seen as a defining characteristic of a true Londoner, someone who has a deep connection to the city and its culture.

    Today, the Bow Bells still ring every day at 9am and 6pm, serving as a reminder of the rich history and traditions of London, and the origins of this beloved idiom.