The following paper will provide information about the Cockney, etymology of this word, history and modern perception of the term, as well as about the migration of people to whom Cockney English dialect is applied. It will also describe most typical features of Cockney dialect: phonetic, grammatical, tone and rhetoric. Besides, some examples of famous Cockney Rhyming Slang and Slang will be mentioned in the paper. The Cockney dialect in literature and art will be the last issue described in this work. And the conclusions will be made based upon the information provided in all sections mentioned.
Cockney variety is chosen to be described in this paper mostly because of actually being most “brightest spot”, i.e. a very pronounced accent, in England, moreover in the very heart of the country- London. Starting from the Middle Ages the term Cocknney has developed into particular kind of culture which deserves a special attention in being studied and maintained.
The origin of the word Cockney has been the subject of many guesses. The word might come from an almost infinite variety of sources: from the Greek “olcogenes” (born and bred at home; a narrow-minded individual unacquainted with and incapable of enduring rugged life), from Old French “coqueliner” (to fondle), from the Latin “coquina” (kitchen or cook). Another alternative origin of the term Cockney is from Cockaigne, a mythical luxurious country, first recorded in 14th century. It was then humorously refered to London, and over time gained a number of spellings: Cocagne, Cockayne, Cocknay and Cockney. The latter two spellings were used to refer to both pampered children, and residents of London, as well as to pamper or spoil a child was “to cocker” him. [10], [12]
The etymology that is most generally believed is that Cockney comes from Middle English “cokeneyes” (small, misshapen eggs, as if laid by the cock). In the course of time the meaning of the word Cockney underwent notable changes.…
