APRIL FOOL!

It is an annual custom in the UK and in many other countries around the world to play pranks (jokes)  on 1 April. You may notice lots more pranks on this day in the media.  If you fall for the joke you become an ‘April Fool’. 

We have NO plans at The London School of English to start courses in Cockney English but they would be fun! 

What is Cockney?

Cockney is an accent and dialect of English, mainly spoken in London, particularly by working-class and lower middle-class Londoners.  It’s origin is from the East End of London.  Famous phrases, known as ‘Cockney Rhyming Slang’ have been developed as part of this dialect

Here are a few phrases in Cockney Rhyming Slang:

‘Apples and pears’ (stairs) – We go up the apples and pears to bed

‘Adam and Eve’ (believe) – I don’t Adam and Eve it!

Barnet fair’ (hair) – I have just got my barnet chopped

Butchers hook’ (look) – Take a butcher’s at that

Current Bun (sun) – The current bun’s hot today

To find our more about the origins of Cockney and more Cockney Rhyming Slang read here.

There's also a Wikipedia explanation on Cockney and Cockney Rhyming Slang

To practice your listening skills you can watch the following popular UK TV shows

EastEnders click here  (and find out more about the show here)

To watch some trailers (short clips) of the famous sitcom (comedy) 'Only Fools and Horses' watch here