Rhyming slang is a subject of perennial interest to the general language-conscious public. This book, with entries arranged in topic areas, such as clothing, food and drink, animals, sex and illness, illustrates how rich and entertaining a language form it is. Through extensive examples, John Ayto explores the range and development of rhyming slang during its 150 year history, from the "bees and honey", "oily rag" and "Uncle Ned" of traditional Cockney rhyming slang to the popney rhyming slang of today.