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Languages continuously change that shape our region, our culture, and time. A language rhyming slang is one of the most colourful and unique forms of linguistic creativity. As a type of expression that replaces common words with rhyming slang. Among all of these a very popular slang which is commonly used is “Apples and Pears” meaning “Stairs” in rhyming slang.
It may seem like a simple phrase which refers to fruits, but it reveals a layered history. Cockney rhyming slangs value playful political language which is developed in these streets of East London. Moreover, it remains a significant part of linguistic culture.
In this article, we will explore in detail the origin, usage, meaning and cultural significance of rhyming slang. Also, we will go in detail to the world of Cockney rhyming slang.
For the detailed understanding of rhyming slang, “Apples and Pears” we must first understand the origin and history of Cockney rhyming slang. This linguistic tradition began in the mid 90s in East London around the 1850s. It originated as a use of coded language which is used by the working-class, criminals and traders for communication. The basic idea for this linguistic tradition is very simple. Replace the meaning of an existing word with a phrase that rhymes with it.
But another twist here is that mostly the rhyming words themselves are left out. For example, in this language, “Apples and Pears” is used for the word stairs. But people often leave out “Pears” and just say “Apples”. It also adds humour and makes it difficult for others to understand. It is perfect for coded conversation in public places.
Apples and Pears are one of the most common examples of cockney rhyming slang. The full rhyming slang is “ Apples and Pears”= Stairs. But in daily conversation people often simply say Apple and drop the rhyming word pears. “I am going up the apples”. But in this sentence, there are no apples involved, it is used for a staircase. In addition,this slang is popular because of how natural it sounds in daily communication. It’s mostly used in East London homes for many years. In some cases, these rhyming slangs are used to check if someone is a true Cockney.
The most common sense and the original meaning of this rhyming slang is stairs. So in daily conversation, for example, she slipped on the apple and her ankle was twisted. So in this, Apple basically is used for stairs. You also noticed in many cases in cockney rhyming slang one rhyming word is often dropped and the other is used in sentences.
Due to a history of Cockney English, these rhyming slangs have now been used for a simple way to say something. And it is now used in a TV show or movies and even in music. For example, in “Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” also in “Snatch or Lock”, Guy Ritchie uses this rhyming slang in his movies.
The dramas and sitcoms like EastEnders often use slang. Furthermore, Rock bands and British punk sometimes use these slangs in their interviews or lyrics as a cultural badge.
Due to the whimsical and amusing nature of rhyming slang, it is used in humor for audience interaction for exaggerated accents. Cockney Characters use this slang to make the audience laugh.
Cockney slangs are not just a group of awful phrases. It shows detection of community and working class identity. In history, it provided London a way to speak differently which made them apart from the outsiders or upper classes. It provides a sense of local pride.
Using these slangs in your daily conversation shows that you are connected to your roots. Londoners also think that using such slangs also brings back their childhood memories and family conversation. Now it has become a tool of the identity of the working class and using these is a way to show that even London changes around but their culture is still alive.
Among the traditional Londoners and the old generation, yes these are mostly used as a humorous way in London. But due to the multicultural influences and modernism, these things are less practical and are no longer used as before. Some phrases like apples are used, in jokes, and even in tourism. Like a tour guide in London might use the phrase “up the apples” when leading tourists through the part of London just to add flavour to culture.
These slangs are more than just a quirky way of referencing something. Apples and Pears are more than a way to refer to stairs; it is a window of poetry, the interesting and secretive world of Cockney Slang. It's true that these slangs are pointless and hard to understand but they hold a history in them.
From Traders in East London of the 1840s to scripts of 21st-century movies, the story of Apples and Pears is real-time and a charm of Cockney rhyming slang.
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