Disappearing cockney: the status of cockney rhyming slang in modern English society

The article examines the cultural phenomenon of Cockney, the rhyming slang traditionally spoken by native inhabitants of London's East End. Cockney rhyming slang is one of the most well-known slangs existing today in the English language, having become a subject for research in the second half of the 19th century. In order to define the term 'Cockney rhyming slang' it is first of all necessary to understand the meaning of 'Cockney', that is to analyse the wider system in which the subject of this article functions. The aim of the article is to review the phenomenon of Cockney rhyming slang, show examples of its usage and demonstrate the peculiarities of its development in modern England. The article traces the history of its development, examines its main features, and also identifies its current usage in modern England. Initially, 'Cockneys' were those who were born within the sound of the bells of the London church St Mary-le-Bow, which is located in Cheapside, in the north of London. As a rule they were workers, tradesmen, shipbuilders, sellers, etc. The term 'Cockney', however, is also used to refer to those people born beyond this area, but who speak in the 'Cockney accent'. Nowadays the Cockney accent can be heard even in the central parts of London, although it is most widespread in small towns near to London, its suburbs, and also all over South East England, in such counties as Bedfordshire (in the towns of Luton and Leighton) and Essex (Romford). The Cockney dialect is characterized by its particular pronunciation, 'incorrect' speech, and also rhyming slang. Nowadays the Cockney dialect's most famous legacy is Cockney rhyming slang, which appeared in 16th century East End London (the large industrial district to the east of the City). Thanks to well-known British television programs, Cockney acquired a certain popularity in the English-speaking world. But speaking about the modern development of Cockney rhyming slang, everything is far from positive. Cockney rhyming slang sees no great development. Modern Cockney slang tends only to rhyme the names of celebrities or well-known people. Cockney rhyming slang occupies an important place in the history of the English language and London's inhabitants. Without a doubt, Cockney has left a deep imprint on the English language and, to some degree, continues to encourage the emergence of new rhyming slang. However, as a result of the migration of Cockney speakers from London, we see a decrease in its usage. Monocultural Cockney cannot exist in multicultural London. It is necessary to take into account the fact that some expressions from Cockney rhyming slang have so taken root in English that they will hardly cease to be used. Nevertheless, the question remains: Will Cockney rhyming slang be able to continue its existence if Cockneys and their dialect disappear?

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