Bow bells

[ boh ]

plural noun

1. the bells of Bow church, in the East End district of London: traditionally, a true Cockney is born and raised within the sound of Bow bells.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Bow bells¹

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

Doreen Golding, 83, the Pearly Queen of Bow Bells and the Old Kent Road, shouted to the group as she led the way to the church vestry.

From New York Times

While London lore holds that to be a true Cockney, a person must be born within earshot of Bow Bells, which ring from St. Mary-le-Bow church in east London, pearly titles are now held by people from communities across all of London’s boroughs.

From New York Times

As the property bends, we pass by Rhododendron ‘Bow Bells’, with a “satisfying leaf shape and a hideous bloom,” he says.

From Seattle Times

“With all her courage,” children’s magazine Bow Bells wrote, “ ‘good Queen Bess’ had not strength of mind to look her wrinkles in the face.”

From Slate

Miranda’s schedule being what it is, we don’t have time to debate the location of Bow bells, so I ask if it was weird singing songs he didn’t write.

From The Guardian