Rhyming slang

Boat race = face. That's rhyming slang!   Rhyming slang is an interesting form of vocabulary where you replace one word with a word from a phrase that rhymes. For example 'boat race' is rhyming slang for 'face'. Often with rhyming slang the word that rhymes is not actually said. So, 'boat' is rhyming slang for 'face'. In this programme we hear from Londoner Larry Barnes who tells us a little bit about the history of rhyming slang and gives us a few examples. We also hear about a new book which updates rhyming slang with modern expressions. Before you listen to the programme, have a look at these comprehension questions; you'll hear the answers during the programme. You can also download and follow it with a transcript from the 'Extras' section at the bottom of this page. 1: What does Larry say is the meaning of the word 'slang'. 2: Where does he say rhyming slang started? 3: According to Duncan Black what is 'Britney Spears' rhyming slang for? 4: Who is responsible for making new rhyming slang expressions? Vocabulary a stallholder someone who works on a market Do you fancy .... Would you like ... Wallop slang expression for 'beer' egalitarian equal, something that everyone can do and be involved in punters slang expression for 'customers' Some traditional rhyming slang expressions: Ball of chalk walk Frog and toad road Rub-a-dub pub Some modern rhyming slang expressions: Basil Fawlty balti (an Indian meal) Billie Piper windscreen wiper Extras Programme script (pdf - 21k) Download this programme (mp3 - 2.2 mb) The original page is here