Queer Cockney Rhyming Slang: A Hidden History of Insults, Codes, and Reclamation

Ever fancied a Vera Lynn down the rub-a-dub before heading up the apples and pears?

Yup, I thought so.

If that sentence made your brain hurt, let me officially welcome you to the playful, coded world of Cockney rhyming slang - with a queer twist.

But be warned: while the slang might sound cheeky and charming, some of its roots are a little less sweet, especially when it comes to how queer people were talked about.

But what even is Cockney rhyming slang, you ask?

Before we dive into the slang itself, let’s first tackle a more fundamental question: what exactly is a cockney?

Traditionally, a Cockney is someone born within the sound of the bells of St. Mary-le-Bow church in Cheapside, London. Over time, though, the definition has broadened to mean anyone hailing from London’s East End—a historically working-class area with a rich history, a distinctive culture, and, of course, its own unique lingo.

Cockneys are known for being tough, witty, and resourceful, and their culture has left a massive mark on London and broader British culture.

Alright, now onto the reason you’re here: Cockney rhyming slang.

This playful form of slang involves replacing a common word or phrase with one that rhymes with it.

Sounds simple enough, right?

Well, from here it gets a little trickier: once the rhyme is established, a true Cockney often drops the rhyming part entirely, leaving just the first word or syllable behind.

Confused? Yeah, me too.

Let’s break it down with a couple of examples:

• The word ‘look’ rhymes with ‘butcher’s hook’, which gets shortened to just ‘butcher’s’. So you might hear someone say, “Have a butcher’s at that!” (Translation: Have a look at that!)

• ‘Believe’ rhymes with ‘Adam and Eve’, which then gets shortened to ‘adam’. So you might hear, “I just can’t adam it—how incredible!”

Still with me? Brilliant. Let’s get stuck in.

Queering the Code

To be absolutely clear, Cockney Rhyming Slang isn’t inherently queer. In fact, many of the phrases you’ll encounter here originated as slurs or casual insults aimed at the LGBTQ+ community.

But you know what’s magical about queer people? Our incredible ability to take a slur, twist it on its head, and transform it into something celebratory.

Just like the word ‘queer’ itself, many of these old terms have been reclaimed—not as a sign of shame, but as a defiant badge of pride.

Examples of Queer Cockney Rhyming Slang

Now we’re getting to the good stuff! Here's a list of queer-related Cockney rhyming slang terms and what they mean:

Is Cockney Rhyming Slang Still Used Today?

Some Cockney rhyming slang has wormed its way into everyday language, even far beyond the East End of London. You might hear someone ask for a butcher’s (look, rhymes with ‘butcher’s hook’) or encourage you to use your loaf (head, rhymes with ‘loaf of bread’) without even realising it’s part of a centuries-old tradition.

In recent years, everything that is old is new again, and there’s been a resurgence of interest in retro slang. Platforms like TikTok, drag culture, and the wider wave of nostalgia have breathed new life into these old phrases - often with a wink and a heavy dose of camp.

But is it just playful fun now, or is it still being used as a form of coded language?

For the most part, today’s use of Cockney rhyming slang is more about celebrating heritage and having a bit of a laugh than about secret codes. But it’s important to remember that many of the queer-related phrases in this slang weren't created by or for queer people - they were often used against them.

In an era where queer identities are more visible (though still under threat in many places), the sting of these old slurs has faded for some, and in certain spaces, they’ve been reimagined with a wink and a nod.

Still, the history matters—a reminder of how language has long been used both to marginalize and, eventually, to reclaim and subvert.

Oh, and if you’re still stuck on that opening sentence… here’s the translation:

In plain English:

"Ever thought about having a gin at the pub before going upstairs?"