Rabbi David Sedley

A repository of written, audio and video Torah classes given by Rabbi David Sedley

Cockney Cash

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I’m not sure whether this was an April Fools article, or whether it is real, but it made me laugh (and has absolutely nothing to do with Judaism).

Apparently, according to the BBC, cash machines in east London now speak Cockney Rhyming Slang. So you insert you barrel of lard, and enter your Huckleberry Finn. Then you can choose whether to withdraw a Lady Godiva, a speckled hen, or even a full Pony.

If you are not familiar with the concept of rhyming slang here is the wikipedia entry on it. Probably the most famous example of rhyming slang is using the word ‘bread’ (bread and honey) for ‘money’, though raspberry (raspberry tart) is also well known as a euphemism for that noise you make when you stick out your tongue and blow.

My favourite example is “I haven’t got a scooby” (scooby doo = clue).

There are many useful online dictionaries which translate to and from rhyming slang. But don’t use it too much or people will think you are a little bit strange.

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