The Secret Code of Rhyming Slang

Rhyming slang replaces everyday words with phrases that rhyme with the original term. To keep the code truly secret, the rhyming word is often dropped entirely, leaving only the first part of the phrase.

This linguistic puzzle started in London during the 19th century to confuse outsiders and authorities. For example, instead of saying apples and pears for stairs, speakers might just say apples. It functions like a verbal handshake, instantly identifying insiders from outsiders. These patterns even migrated across the globe, influencing criminal underworlds from the American West Coast to Australia.