Cockney Rhyming Slang: A List of Examples and What They Mean

Let’s be honest, having a cup of Rosy Lee (Rosie Lee) any time of day is a great way to make you feel refreshed and recharged. But what does having a cup of Rosy actually mean?

Having a cup of Rosy simply means having a cup of tea. This expression is one of the most popular Cockney rhyming slang used all over Britain.

Anyone from London, particularly those from the East End, is referred to as Cockney. To be a true Cockney you must be born within hearing distance of the Bow Bells of St. Mary Le Bow Church in Cheapside, London.

Cockney is both an accent and a regional dialect, best known for its rhyming slang. This type of British slang dates back to the 19th century. Just remember that the meaning of the expression rhymes with the actual phrase it’s referring to, like Rosie Lee = tea.

---

Bees and honey

Meaning – money

Sentence – Do you have some bees with you?

Rabbit and pork

Meaning – talk

Sentence – They are rabbiting about the bachelor that just moved into town.

Dog and bone

Meaning – phone

Sentence – I need to phone James Bond, would you mind if I grab my dog and bone quickly?

Mince Pies (mincers or mince)

Meaning – eyes

Sentence – I’m telling you, you’d be swooning as soon as Chiwetel looks at you with those mince pies.

Sherbet Dab

Meaning – cab

Sentence – I need to take a Sherbet Dab.