Have you ever heard someone say they’re going up the “apples and pears” or answer the “dog and bone”? If you grew up in London — or spent any time around a proper East Ender — you’ll know exactly what that means. Cockney rhyming slang is one of Britain’s most brilliant, cheeky, and utterly unique traditions. And now it’s got a makeover — 1950s style.
Meet Cockney Classics
I’m so excited to share something I’ve been working on — a collection of original vintage-style illustrations celebrating the most iconic phrases in Cockney rhyming slang.
Seven designs. Each one inspired by a different phrase. All of them drenched in the golden glamour of 1950s illustration — think full skirts, pin curls, pearls and all the drama you’d expect from a proper London housewife with a lot to say.
The collection is available right now on Redbubble as T-shirts, stickers, mugs, tote bags, prints and more. They make brilliant gifts — or an absolute treat for yourself.
Let me introduce you to three of my favourites from the collection…
Rabbit & Pork — meaning: Talk
“Rabbit & Pork” — available on Redbubble as T-shirts, mugs, stickers & more
Oh, she’s got plenty to say — and she looks fabulous saying it! This design features a glamorous 1950s hostess, teacup in hand, surrounded by little speech bubbles. The cat at her feet looks thoroughly unimpressed (relatable).
“Rabbit & Pork” is one of the most beloved Cockney phrases — shortened to simply “rabbiting on” — meaning to talk, natter, or gossip at length. Basically, your mum at a dinner party.
This one is made for the woman in your life who is never, ever short of something to say. And we mean that as the highest compliment.
Shop Rabbit & Pork on Redbubble
Dog & Bone — meaning: Phone
“Dog & Bone” — the vintage telephone print that’s turning heads this summer
Wide-eyed, hand on cheek, absolutely riveted by whatever she’s just heard — this is the Dog & Bone design, and it is pure drama in the best possible way.
“Dog & Bone” = phone. And in the 1950s, news travelled fast — one call on the hallway telephone and the whole street knew your business before you’d even put the kettle on.
This design is one of the collection’s most striking — the vintage wallpaper backdrop, the classic rotary telephone, that expression of absolute shock. It’s a piece of art as much as it is a T-shirt.
Trouble & Strife — meaning: Wife
“Trouble & Strife” — the garden-fresh print that’s perfect for summer
She’s got her apron on, she’s holding a gorgeous bunch of wildflowers, and the butterflies are literally fluttering around her. This is Trouble & Strife — and she is an absolute delight.
“Trouble & Strife” is rhyming slang for wife — one of the most famous phrases in the whole Cockney dictionary. It’s affectionate, it’s cheeky, and it’s been part of the East End vocabulary for well over a century.
The pink, the florals, the summer garden setting — this one practically glows. It’s my personal favourite and the perfect summer tee.
Shop Trouble & Strife on Redbubble
What Is Cockney Rhyming Slang? (A Quick Guide)
If you’re not from London, you might be wondering — what on earth is going on with these phrases? Here’s your quick guide:
Cockney rhyming slang originated in the East End of London in the 1840s. The idea is simple: replace a word with a phrase that rhymes with it — and then, often, drop the rhyming word entirely to keep people guessing.
Here are a few classics:
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Rabbit & Pork | Talk |
| Dog & Bone | Phone |
| Trouble & Strife | Wife |
| Apples & Pears | Stairs |
| Plates of Meat | Feet |
| Bread & Honey | Money |
| Adam & Eve | Believe |
So if a Cockney says “I don’t Adam and Eve it!” — they mean “I don’t believe it!” Brilliant, isn’t it?
Why Vintage 1950s?
The 1950s were a golden era for illustration. Everything was optimistic, colourful and bursting with personality — the full skirts, the perfectly set hair, the cheerful domestic scenes. It’s a style that’s immediately recognisable and absolutely timeless.
Pairing that aesthetic with Cockney rhyming slang felt like a natural fit. Both are very British, both are full of charm and wit, and both have a certain nostalgic warmth that makes you smile.
The result is something that feels like it could have come off a vintage poster in a London market — but with a very modern sense of humour.
Available on Redbubble
The full Cockney Classics collection is available on Redbubble in a huge range of products:
- T-shirts (fitted and classic cuts)
- Stickers (perfect for laptops, water bottles, notebooks)
- Mugs (because obviously)
- Tote bags
- Art prints (for your wall!)
- Phone cases and more
These make perfect gifts for:
- Anyone who loves London
- Mums, grandmas, and East End legends
- Fans of vintage and retro style
- Anyone who appreciates a good bit of British humour
Browse the Full Cockney Classics Collection on Redbubble
The Summer 2026 Must-Have
Vintage graphics are everywhere this summer — and for good reason. There’s something so refreshing about wearing art that has personality, story and humour behind it. Something that sparks a conversation.
Wear the Dog & Bone tee and someone WILL ask you about it. Tell them it means phone. Watch their face. Enjoy.
These aren’t just T-shirts — they’re a little piece of London history, reimagined for 2026.
All designs are original artwork, printed on demand through Redbubble and shipped worldwide.