Nova Mob vs. the Lords of Chaos

British (and Australian) underworld slang, vol. 6

June 2, 2007 · Leave a Comment

Included here for completion are Australian rhyming slang expressions that have origins in England. Most, however have distinctively Australian origins indicative that the earliest white settlers in Australia were ex-convicts from England.

(AUST) Australian Rhyming Slang

The ff. also includes usage from recent UK films

(S) SNATCH
(SD) SLIDING DOORS
(LS&2SB) LOCK, STOCK & TWO SMOKING BARRELS 

K

KAREEM ABDUL-JABBAR (US basketball player) – Car. See JAM JAR
KATIE KARNEY (British music hall entertainer, 1869-1950) – Army. See DAFT ‘N’ BARMY
KERMIT (THE FROG) – Toilet (Kermit the Frog = BOG)
KETTLE (AND HOB) – watch (fob watch. A fob is actually a small pocket in the waistline of the trousers or in a waistcoat, in which a pocket-watch would be kept, often connected and secured via a fob chain. The anachronistic nature of the association today provides an example of how language evolves from something recognisable into something seemingly illogical. For the same reason in years to come people will wonder why we say the ‘telephone is ringing’, or why flushing the toilet is referred to as ‘pulling the chain’.)
KINGDOM COME (from Kingdom Come-BUM) – Arse. See KHYBER, ARIS, APRIL
KITCHEN SINK (from kitchen sink-CLINK) – Jail
KITTY LITTER – Bitter (beer). See APPLE (FRITTER), GARY (GLITTER), GIGGLE (AND TITTER)
KHYBER (from Khyber Pass) – arse. See APRIL, ARIS

LA-DI-DA/LARDY – Cigar.
LADY GODIVA – a “fiver” or five-pound note
LAMB TO THE SLAUGHTER – Daughter. See DIDN’T OUGHTA, BRICKS & MORTAR
LEMON – woman (from lemon curd – bird). Can also refer to crime (from crime – LEMON LIME) or the act of being flash (from flash – LEMON DASH)
LEMON SQUASH – wash (AUST)
LEO (FENDER) – Homosexual (Leo Fender = “Bender”)
LEO SAYER – All-dayer. See GARY PLAYER
LILIAN GISH – fish
LILY & SKINNER – Dinner. See JIM SKINNER
LINDA (from Linda Lusardi-CARDY) (?) – Cardigan (article of clothing)  
LIONEL BLAIRS – flared trousers
LIONEL ROSE – nose. See I SUPPOSE (AUST)
LION’S LAIR – Chair
LIZA – Modern Rhyming Slang (derived from Liza Minelli, Broadway entertainer and all-around gay icon) for ‘telly’ (television). See CUSTARD (LS&2SB)
LIZ HURLEY – early
LOAF (from loaf of bread) – head. See CRUST
LOOP-THE-LOOP – soup (AUST)

Next up: M-N

CONCORDANCE:  http://www.businessballs.com/cockney.htm

Categories: Language & semiotics
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