cockney etymology

Etymology

The term "cockney" is derived from the Middle English word "cokeney," which likely originated from the Middle English word "coken," meaning "egg."

Meaning

Cockney refers to:

• A native of the East End of London: This is the most common usage of the term and typically carries connotations of working-class culture and a distinct accent.
• A person who is unsophisticated or naive: This usage is often derogatory and implies a lack of knowledge or experience, especially outside of London.
• The Cockney accent: A dialect of English spoken by many people in the East End of London, characterized by distinctive pronunciations and grammatical features.

Origin

The term "cockney" emerged in the late 13th century and has several possible origins:

• The egg connection: It may have referred to a person who was as helpless as a newly hatched egg and thus deemed "soft" or inexperienced.
• The "coken" bird: This was a type of seagull that frequented the banks of the River Thames near London. The term "cockney" may have been applied to people who lived in this area.
• A corruption of "cock's egg": This was a term for an egg that was too small or misshapen to be sold. It may have been used to refer to Londoners who were seen as being smaller or less significant than people from other parts of England.

Over time, the meaning of "cockney" evolved to encompass the current definitions. While it is still sometimes used in a derogatory sense, it is also recognized as a distinctive aspect of London culture.

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