PhrasesHub

Rhyming slang

    Definitions

      • disguise a word
        Use a phrase that rhymes with the actual word to refer to it, often as a form of informal or playful language

      • humor
        Create a humorous or cryptic expression by replacing a word with a rhyming phrase

    Examples of Rhyming slang

    • Let's head on down the apples and pears to grab a few elephants, shall we?

      In rhyming slang, "apples and pears" is used to mean "stairs" and "elephants" is used to mean "melons" or "grenades," which is slang for "testicles." In this example, we're asking someone to join us in going down the stairs (apples and pears) to buy some snacks, such as fruit (elephants).

    • You're barking up the wrong tree, mate.

      "Barking up the wrong tree" is slang for "wasting your time" or "pursuing a false lead." In this example, we're telling someone that they're working on a futile or incorrect task.

    • I'm off to catch some rays and have a chinwag, ta-ra!

      "Catch some rays" is slang for "go outside to soak up some sun." "Chinwag" is slang for "conversation." In this example, we're saying that we're going to spend some time outside to get some sun and chat with people.

    • I've got a right old bacon face today!

      "Bacon face" is slang for "swollen cheeks" or "a face that's red and puffy." In this example, we're admitting that we have a bit of an unsightly appearance due to being flushed or sunburned.

    • As soon as I saw him, my heart skipped a Bertie.

      This means that I experienced a sudden skipping sensation in my chest, possibly due to strong emotions like excitement or nervousness. The idiom 'Bertie' is a slang term for 'heart', derived from the phrase 'Bertie Wooster', as Bertie Wooster was a fictional character known for his fluttery heart in the novels of P.G. Wodehouse.

    • I've been feeling a bit butterflies lately.

      'Butterflies' is a term commonly used to describe the feeling of nervousness, excitement, or a fluttery sensation in the stomach, often associated with romantic or social situations. The phrase 'butterflies' comes from the rhyming slang term 'butterflies in the stomach', which originated in the mid-1900s.

    • She's not just an apple of my eye, she's the whole tree.

      'Apple of my eye' is a common rhyming slang phrase meaning 'most cherished or loved person'. In this case, we've extended the metaphor to mean that the person is her loved one's entire world or all-encompassing.

    • You've got to inherit the wind and stand up for what's right.

      'Inherit the wind' is a slang term meaning 'to take on a challenge or cause', often used to describe a difficult or complicated situation requiring persistence and determination. The phrase 'inherit the wind' originated from the film and play of the same name, which portrayed a legal battle between two intellectual giants, Clarence Darrow and William Jennings Bryan, in the Scopes Trial of 1925. Here, the speaker is urging the listener to 'inherit the wind' and be a champion for a worthy cause like Darrow did over 90 years ago.


    Conclusion

    "Rhyming slang" is a type of language play that involves using a phrase that rhymes with the actual word being referred to. It is often used to disguise a word or create a humorous or cryptic expression.

    The intention of rhyming slang is to disguise a word and create a playful or humorous phrase. It is commonly used in informal speech or among specific groups of people who share the same cultural references.

    It can also serve as a form of inside joke or a way to create a sense of camaraderie among those who understand the slang. However, it can also be used to exclude or confuse those who are not familiar with the rhyming phrases.

    Origin of "Rhyming slang"

    The origin of rhyming slang can be traced back to the East End of London in the 19th century. It was used as a form of secret language among criminals and street traders to communicate without being understood by the police or outsiders. The rhyming slang involved replacing a word with a two-word phrase, with the second word being the one that rhymed with the intended word.

    For example, "apples and pears" was used to mean "stairs," and "trouble and strife" was used to mean "wife." Over time, rhyming slang became a part of Cockney culture and spread to other English-speaking countries.

    Today, rhyming slang is still used in various forms of popular culture, but its usage has evolved beyond its original secretive purposes. It is now often used for humor or to create a sense of belonging within specific social groups.