Cockney

Pronunciation: /ˈkɒkni/

Definitions of cockney

noun a native of East London, typically one belonging to the working class

Example Sentences

A1 A cockney is a person from the East End of London.

A2 The cockney accent is known for dropping the 'h' sound.

B1 Some people find the cockney rhyming slang difficult to understand.

B2 Cockneys are often associated with traditional London culture.

C1 The history of cockney identity is deeply rooted in London's working-class history.

C2 Many famous actors have mastered the cockney accent for their roles in movies.

adjective relating to or characteristic of a cockney or cockneys

Example Sentences

A1 He spoke in a cockney accent that was difficult to understand.

A2 The cockney slang used in the movie added humor to the dialogue.

B1 The cockney culture is known for its unique language and traditions.

B2 She found the cockney dialect charming and endearing.

C1 The author's use of cockney vernacular added authenticity to the historical novel.

C2 The actor's impeccable cockney pronunciation impressed the audience.

Examples of cockney in a Sentence

formal The study of Cockney dialect reveals interesting linguistic patterns.

informal My Cockney friend always cracks me up with his jokes.

slang I love the Cockney rhyming slang used in East End markets.

figurative Her Cockney accent is as thick as pea soup.

Grammatical Forms of cockney

• past tense: cockneyed
• plural: cockneys
• comparative: more cockney
• superlative: most cockney
• present tense: cockney
• future tense: will cockney
• perfect tense: have cockneyed
• continuous tense: is cockneying
• singular: cockney
• positive degree: cockney
• infinitive: to cockney
• gerund: cockneying
• participle: cockneyed

Origin and Evolution of cockney

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: Middle English

Story behind the word: The word 'cockney' originated from the Middle English term 'cokeney', which referred to a spoiled child or a pampered pet. It was later used to describe city-dwellers who were seen as effeminate or soft.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the term 'cockney' shifted to specifically refer to Londoners from the East End, particularly those from the working class. It became associated with a distinct accent and dialect, as well as a sense of pride among those who identified as cockneys.