Cockney Rhyming Slang

 

There have been so many English shows, series and films lately, that I’ve been inundated with questions about Cockney Rhyming slang. Perhaps people are watching more television during Covid-19 but shows such as Endeavor, Line of Duty, Broadchurch, etc., often throw in some slang/expression that confuses viewers. Last week, some friends sent me a list of 17 questions-- “What does trouble and strife; Skin and Blister and Breaking my neck for a Jimmy, mean? Help! It’s like a different language!” Indeed it is!

Cockney rhyming slang was created to confuse and puzzle outsiders, but more notably…the police! Traditionally, these people came from a specific area of London on the east-west thoroughfare, but more importantly…within earshot of the bells of St Mary-le-Bow church, commonly known as “Bow Bells.” It's thought these parishioners are the true Cockneys of London.

It’s believed there has been a church situated on this site since Saxon times. It’s a truly beautiful church that was burned in the Fire of London in 1666, rebuilt by Christopher Wren, and was then bombed in WWII, but still it stands today.

Anyhow, getting back to my friends’ questions (not all can be translated without blushing) but most can be found on the Internet. My friends had already tried that…then contacted me. Although I was born about 50 miles south of London, I was able to answer about 12 of the questions. The rest I sent to my brother-in-law, ironically, a retired policeman. It goes without saying; there are simply too many expressions and slang words to list them all, but here goes with a few to make you laugh:

Trouble and Strife = wife!

Skin and Blister = sister

Breaking my neck for a Jimmy = need to pee

Take a butchers = take a look

Apples and pears = stairs

Whistle and flute = suit.

Bittersweet Chocolate Icing

 

Ingredients:

 4 oz. of bittersweet chocolate (break into pieces)

4 tablespoons cornstarch

1 cup sugar

1 cup water

2 tablespoons butter

1 teas. Vanilla essence

Place cornstarch, sugar and water in a saucepan. Stir over low to medium heat until the mixture becomes opaque and thickens. Remove from heat; add broken chocolate pieces and butter. Cool and decorate.

I personally like to use two types of icing. I fill the center of the cake with chocolate butter icing and the outside with bittersweet icing. Using a cheese grater…shave a little chocolate on the top for decoration.

Cornish Pasties

Recently, I made some beef pasties that my family and friends enjoyed so much...I decided to post the recipe. I don't measure anything but I've tried to provide a general recipe that you can adapt to suit your needs.  

As the name suggests, these little delicacies originated in Cornish villages (west coast of England.) I learned to make them in school, so long ago I can barely remember. As with many dishes from the United Kingdom in post war conditions, pasties were a way to stretch the coffers using left-over meat/veggies; usually from a roast dinner. I remember my teacher telling us that sometimes, the wife of a miner would bake a large pastie with a "partition" in the middle...meat at one end, and fruit in the other therefore providing a meal in one. How that was done is beyond my ability, but here goes with a rough recipe/method. 

Pastry:

1 cup of all purpose flour

1/2 cup Crisco                        (Or buy ready made astry from the store!)

1/4 teaspoon salt

Cold water

Using a fork, combine all ingredients in a bowl. Add enough cold water to make a pliable dough by adding one tablespoon at a time to reach a consistency suitable to roll out. Set aside.

Filling:

1 cup of cooked beef (or lamb) finely chopped 

1/2 cup chopped raw potatoes, finely chopped

1/4 cup chopped onion, finely chopped

Salt/pepper to taste

3/4 cup thick gravy - make your own or use a packet

Mix ingredients together and set aside.

Method:

Roll out pastry to (about the thickness of a quarter) and cut into rounds. Depending on the size, use a saucer or small plate as a guide. Wet the edges and place a portion of the filling in the center of the ring. Pull the sides up to make a "purse shape" by bringing the dampened edges together. Pinch the lower sides first so the gravy doesn't run out...and then pinch all the way up the sides until you have the shape in the photograph. Place the pasties on a baking sheet (recommend using foil because the gravy might run out and make a mess) brush with a little egg. 

Bake at 400 degrees for about 30/40 minutes until golden brown (depending on the size of the pastie.) 

Note: After removing from the oven, pierce the top with a fork or skewer to allow the steam to escape otherwise the pastry will get soggy. Serve with mashed potatoes/veggies and gravy. 

A Blanket of Love

This recently published book by Betty Johnson Dalrymple is a collection of stories, scriptures, poems and prayers to chase away your fears and calm your anxious mind. In this book, Betty explores panic attacks, the fears, worries and concerns...and helpful ways to combat them. Dianne E. Butts, author of six books and contibutor to over twenty compilations, including "The Panic Monster" in Chicken Soup for the Soul's Say Goodbye to Stress (Harvard Medical School series) notes that "Betty Johnson Dalrymple was the first person I ever met who understood what was happening to me. She blessed by life with understanding and information. For someone who is struggling, I so highly recommend Betty's kind wisdom, understanding, and helpful information shared through her personal stories. You will find help and feel loved and comforted."

A Blanket of Love by Betty Johnson Dalrymple can be purchased on Amazon. 

ISBN: 978-1-950647-57-6