Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

chi-tty chi-tty b-ang b-ang  

noun 

1. A magical car depicted by Ian Fleming in a novel by the same title 

2. Cockney rhyming slang, for cockney rhyming slang.

In every counrty and community there are different slangs used. One that is particularly interesting and entertaining, is that of the cockneys. Cockney is a term used to describe a person born within the sound of the Bow Bells (the bells of St. Mary-Le-Bow Church, Bow Church) in Cheapside, London EC2. Now, its very important you don't refer to anybody born outside these realms as "cockney" or you might find yourself learning to "read and write". 

Taken from marc-john photographic

 The amazing thing about this slang, is it has been used since at least the 1830's and is constantly modernised and updated throughout the various ages.

Some of the earliest recorded slangs include:

Apple and Pears = stairs.
Barnet-Fair = hair.
Bird-lime = time.
Lath-and-plaster = master.
Oats and chaff = footpath.

 
Even though it takes alot more effort to use the slang term, there is something really special about the cockney rhyming slang, its used withing the community, and used by others. It has an entertainment value, as well as having a long history. Check out these sites I found to find out more information:

http://www.phespirit.info/cockney/

http://www.cockneyrhymingslang.co.uk/

http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/cockney-rhyming-slang.html

And - the best english to slang dictionary you can find - http://www.aldertons.com/english-.htm

Also, check out the below video of Stephen Fry (all hail) and his outtake on Cockney Rhyming Slang:

 

Published by the BBC

Now tin lids, its george and zippy out. I'm off to make a cuppa of half past three and settle infront of the custard and jelly :-)

Still Raining...

Yes, it's still raining.

Apart from a couple of days of sunshine branded as a "heatwave", it has been raining for what feels like years. My umbrella has become my best friend, when once before I renounced them. Due to the rain, I STILL haven't got any amazing London adventures to share with you, so I thought i'd share my ultimate London Rainy Day playlist. Use the iPod to the left to have a listen too:

1. The Smiths - Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now
The Smiths are known for their meloncholy gloominess in english music so what better mood to set when it's rainy and cold outside?

2. The Doves - Sky Starts Falling
The sky is certainly falling now! Apart from being a massive fan of Manchester band, the Doves, this song provides a more upbeat, toe-tapping account of rainfall and makes it alright to be stuck inside listening to a great band!


3. Ann Peebles - I can't Stand the Rain
This song is pure rain. Moody and soulful. Its the sort of thing you lay in bed all day listening to while you watch the rain splatters blur the outside world. I can't help but feel warm and cosy!

4. Fleetwood Mac - The Chain
Lets face it, this song is good to listen to anywhere, anytime, any mood. Fill your belly with a warm whiskey and turn it up to forget about the misery outside.

5. Interpol - Untitled
Really only good if your feeling a little lost in life, but a good song none the less. Its like that montage of scenes in that movie of people staring out the window smoking and pondering life and wondering what the other one it thinking. Dramatic? Yes. Qualty tune though.

6. Band Of Horses - Funeral
A fairly new fan of Band of Horses, the only reason I can think why I have put it on the list is becuase I can't turn this song off. It needs to be played at least once a day.

7. Arcade Fire - Ocean Of Noise
This sends shivers up my spine! The song doesn't really emulate the sound of rain - more the sound of waves crashing. Regardless, turn the lights down and sway to the music. Its raining outside, what else are you going to do?

8. Let it Fall - Lykke Li
Lykke is actually singing about crying, but you could easily translate it to being about rain. She says "so happy, so happy...". The list needed something a little more positive, And its fun to sing into your hairbrush.

9. Radiohead - All I need
No words required.

10. Massive Attack - Protection
This is actually my husbands choice. I asked him, tell me a song you like to listen to when its raining and he said Ann Peebles - I can't stand the rain. Of course silly, I already have that! Second choice is this beautiful piece of music which does indeed have the sound of rain and delivers all the melancholy warm feelings we are looking for.

Check out my mixpod to hear the full playlist, or view my profile and other playlists here! Enjoy.