The London Cockney.
Camden says the Thames was once called the Cockney, and therefore a Cockney means simply one who lives on the banks of the Thames. Wedgwood says a cockney, or cockerney, is one pampered by city indulgence, in contradistinction to rustics 'hardened by outdoor work. There is, however, a legend, almost too good to be true—namely, that a Londoner who had never before sleps out of sound of Bow Bells had occasion to go into the country, and was detained all night. He was much disturbed by the lowing of the cattle, the grunting of the pigs, and other sounds of country life, which he could not understand, and, in particular, he was frightened by the crowing of the cock. In the morning, in response to the farmer's inquiries, he said the sound of the wild beasts had kept him awake. Just at that moment the cock crowed again, and the Londoner said, " That's the one ; he's been neighing like that for hours !' Since then Londoners have beon called cockneighs or cockneys.
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Bibliographic details
Hastings Standard, Volume IV, Issue 13, 11 May 1899, Page 4
Word Count
174The London Cockney. Hastings Standard, Volume IV, Issue 13, 11 May 1899, Page 4
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