It originally meant ‘fairground’, then was generalised to mean ‘a cheap or disreputable place of entertainment’, then broadened further to simply mean ‘place’ (as in, an area or location).
What does gaff mean in Cockney slang?
A place of residence
gaff (plural gaffs) (Ireland; Britain, especially Manchester, Cockney and Glaswegian; slang) A place of residence. quotations ▼ We’re going round to Mike’s gaff later to watch the footie.
Why is a house called gaff?
In Ireland, the word ‘gaff’ means ‘house’. The term ‘free gaff’ is often used by teenagers to describe the situation when their parents go away for a night, usually meaning there will be a party. Using ‘gaff’ to mean house is apparently also common in Scotland, parts of England and Wales.
Why do Brits say gaffer?
In 16th century England, a gaffer was the head of an organised group of labourers. Also used colloquially to refer to an old man, which several managers were, the word entered the sports lexicon. It’s thought to derive from ‘godfather’ or ‘governor’.
Do English people say gaff?
Then there’s the British slang meaning of gaff for the place where one lives (“come round my gaff for a coffee”), which is almost certainly derived from the use of gaff in the eighteenth-century to mean a fair, and later a cheap music-hall or theatre (as in the infamous penny gaff) and which probably comes from the
What is fart in Cockney?
The term “raspberry” derives from the Cockney rhyming slang “raspberry tart” for “fart” (that is, “blowing a fart”).
Why do Cockneys call people treacle?
(Cockney rhyming slang) Sweetheart (from treacle tart).
What’s a dry lunch in Cockney slang?
A lunch that is not accompanied by alcohol. (England, slang) A contemptible or uncool person quotations ▼
What does Kermit mean in cockney rhyming slang?
Kermit is Cockney slang for Road.
Why is 500 called a monkey?
The term was coined by British soldiers returning from India where the 500 rupee note of that era had a picture of a monkey on it. They used the term monkey for 500 rupees and on returning to England the saying was converted to sterling to mean £500.
What do Brits call underpants?
Knickers. Knickers is actually a standard word for underwear, mainly in Britain, but we include it here because of its surprising connection to professional basketball.
Why are police in England called Bobby?
bobby, slang term for a member of London’s Metropolitan Police derived from the name of Sir Robert Peel, who established the force in 1829. Police officers in London are also known as “peelers” for the same reason.
Why do Brits say Guv?
(slang) A contraction of “governor”, used to describe a person in a managerial position e.g. “Sorry mate, can’t come to the pub, my guv’nor’s got me working late tonight”. Heard mostly in London.
Why do Cockneys call a Cheque a kite?
Kite: originally meant a worthless bill or cheque. Hence you would say “I am going to fly a kite” means you are going to pass a bad cheque. The word seems to now mean any cheque (bad or not).
Is Bloody a swear word UK?
Bloody is a common swear word that is considered to be milder and less offensive than other, more visceral alternatives. In 1994, it was the most commonly spoken swear word, accounting for around 650 of every million words said in the UK – 0.064 per cent.
What is Cockney for toilet?
Khazi. Another slightly dated alternative word to the toilet, ‘khazi’ (also spelt karzy, kharsie or carzey) is derived from the low Cockney word ‘carsey’, meaning a privy. It has its roots in the nineteenth century, but gained popular usage during the twentieth century.
How do you say Girl in Cockney?
Twist and Twirl is Cockney slang for Girl.
What is a lemon in Cockney?
Etymology. “Do me a favour” (rhyming with “lemon flavour”) in Cockney rhyming slang.
Why do Cockneys call glasses bins?
On the subject of ‘bins’ this expression is the cockney rhyming slang for glasses, as in reading glasses, so if someone is having trouble looking up a number in a telephone book you might say put on your ‘bins’.
What do Cockneys call police?
Bluebottle – The police from Cockney Slang.
Why is your bum called your Harris?
Aris is short for Aristotle (the Greek philosopher). Aristotle rhymes with Bottle – as in rhyming slang “Bottle and Glass” Arse. So Aris = Arse.