rhyming slang

noun

1. a form of slang in which a rhyming word or phrase is substituted for the word intended, as Kate and Sidney for steak and kidney or khaki rocks for army socks.
2. a further removal from the original word intended by ellipsis of the rhyming part, as titfer for tit for tat for hat.

rhyming slang

noun

1. slang in which a word is replaced by another word or phrase that rhymes with it; for example, apples and pears meaning stairs

Word History and Origins

Origin of rhyming slang¹

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

The study debunks myths about Cockney rhyming slang being born out of criminal activity, and highlights how it has historically thrived on multicultural influences, adapting with each wave of newcomers.

From BBC

Austin recalled, “He was telling a porky pie,” and laughed, using Cockney rhyming slang for a lie.

From New York Times

His influence and reputation is such that his name has even entered rhyming slang, with the phrase "It's all gone Pete Tong", denoting a moment when calamity strikes.

From BBC

He's also hosted a weekly show on the Bills' YouTube channel, interviewing team-mates and even the team owners, which usually ended with Wade teaching them some English rhyming slang.

From BBC

But if Minaj is indeed hanging up her wigs and costumes, she’ll be remembered for her strange adoption of British cockney rhyming slang by way of Queens, New York.

From The Guardian