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The earliest recorded use of 'Cockney' was in 1362, referring to a 'small, misshapen egg' in William Langland's *Piers Plowman*.
Answer: True
The term 'Cockney' first appeared in 1362 in William Langland's *Piers Plowman*, where it meant 'a small, misshapen egg,' derived from Middle English for 'a cock's egg.'
The mythical land of Cockaigne was humorously associated with London, influencing the term 'Cockney'.
Answer: True
The mythical land of luxury, Cockaigne, which appeared under spellings like 'Cocknay' and 'Cockney,' became humorously associated with London, the English capital, thus influencing the term.
By 1520, 'Cockney' was used by rural Englishmen as a complimentary term for sophisticated town-dwellers.
Answer: False
By 1520, 'Cockney' was used as a pejorative (negative) term by rural Englishmen to describe what they considered effeminate town-dwellers.
The specific association of 'Cockney' with the Bow Bells area began around the 19th century.
Answer: False
The association with the Bow Bells area was established much earlier, by 1600, and was noted by writer Fynes Moryson in 1617.
John Minsheu's 1617 dictionary *Ductor in Linguas* defined 'Cockney' as someone born within the sound of Bow Bell.
Answer: True
In 1617, John Minsheu's dictionary defined a Cockney in this restricted sense as 'one born within the sound of Bow bell, that is in the City of London.'
In what year was the earliest recorded use of the term 'Cockney' and in which work?
Answer: 1362, in William Langland's *Piers Plowman*
The earliest recorded use of the term 'Cockney' is from 1362 in William Langland's *Piers Plowman*.
What was the original meaning of 'Cockney' when it first appeared in 1362?
Answer: A small, misshapen egg
When first recorded in 1362, 'Cockney' meant 'a small, misshapen egg,' derived from the Middle English for 'a cock's egg.'
By what year was 'Cockney' used as a pejorative term for effeminate town-dwellers by rural Englishmen?
Answer: 1520
The source states that by 1520, 'Cockney' was used by rural Englishmen as a pejorative term for effeminate town-dwellers.
When did the meaning of 'Cockney' become particularly associated with the Bow Bells area?
Answer: By 1600
The source indicates that by 1600, the meaning of 'Cockney' had become particularly associated with the Bow Bells area.
Cockney is exclusively defined as a dialect of the English language spoken by Londoners with working-class backgrounds.
Answer: False
While Cockney is a dialect associated with working-class Londoners, it also serves as a demonym for a person from the East End or, traditionally, someone born within earshot of Bow Bells.
A 'Cockney sparrow' is a term used to describe a shy and reserved individual from the East End.
Answer: False
A 'Cockney sparrow' refers to the archetype of a cheerful and talkative Cockney individual, the opposite of shy and reserved.
The 'Cockney diaspora' refers to the historical migration of Cockney speakers exclusively to other countries.
Answer: False
The 'Cockney diaspora' refers to the migration of Cockney speakers to areas both outside London within the UK (such as new towns) and to other countries.
The term 'Mockney' is solely used to describe a genuine Cockney accent spoken by second-generation migrants.
Answer: False
'Mockney' refers to a fake Cockney accent, though it can also be used as a self-deprecatory label by later generations of the Cockney diaspora.
The geographical definition of 'Cockney' initially applied to all Londoners when the city was confined to the walled City.
Answer: True
When London was mostly confined to the walled City, the term 'Cockney' applied to all Londoners, a usage that continued into the 19th century before becoming more specific.
The East End and Bow Bells are often used interchangeably to define Cockney identity, as the bells' audible range correlates with the East End.
Answer: True
The audible range of the Bow Bells, carried by prevailing winds, correlates with the East End, leading to the two terms being used interchangeably to represent Cockney identity.
Hackney and Shoreditch are considered traditional core districts of London's East End.
Answer: True
The source lists Hackney and Shoreditch, among others like Bethnal Green and Stepney, as traditional core districts of the East End.
The 'Cockney's Feast' was an annual event in the 1600s and 1700s aimed at raising funds for maritime apprenticeships in Stepney.
Answer: True
The 'Cockney's Feast,' later the Stepney Feast, was held annually in the 17th and 18th centuries to raise money for apprenticing Stepney boys in maritime trades.
St Mary-le-Bow church is significant because its bells were the first in London to be heard across the entire city.
Answer: False
The significance of St Mary-le-Bow is that being born within earshot of its bells became the traditional definition of a Cockney, reflecting an era when the term applied to all Londoners.
The audible range of Bow Bells is primarily limited by the high-lying western terrain and strong easterly winds.
Answer: False
The audible range is carried further to the east due to the low-lying eastern terrain and the prevailing west-south-west wind.
A 2012 study found that in the 19th century, Bow Bells could be heard as far as Stratford in the east.
Answer: True
A 2012 study indicated that under typical 19th-century conditions, the bells' sound could reach as far east as Clapton, Bow, and Stratford.
The legend of Dick Whittington hearing the Bow Bells from Highgate Hill is considered impossible by modern studies.
Answer: False
Studies suggest the legend is credible, as the bells could have been heard from Highgate Hill on infrequent days when the wind blew from the south.
The Bow Bells were silent from 1940 to 1961, creating a period when no 'Bow Bell' Cockneys could be born by the literal definition.
Answer: True
The bells were destroyed in the Blitz in 1941 and fell silent from 1940. They were not replaced until 1961, creating a 21-year period where no one could be born within their earshot.
Modern challenges to the 'within earshot' definition of a Cockney include the area around St Mary-le-Bow being highly residential with many maternity wards.
Answer: False
The modern challenge is the opposite: the area is no longer residential and lacks maternity wards, meaning very few people are born within the bells' audible range.
West Ham United's 'Cockney Kit' promotion in 2024–25 emphasized dialect over territory in defining Cockney identity.
Answer: False
The promotion celebrated a Cockney identity based on territory rather than dialect, featuring the Bow Bells and including areas in suburban East London.
Which of the following best describes the primary definition of Cockney according to the source?
Answer: A dialect of English spoken mainly in London and a demonym for someone born within earshot of Bow Bells.
The source primarily defines Cockney as both a dialect of English spoken in London, particularly by the working class, and as a demonym for someone from the East End or born within earshot of Bow Bells.
What is a 'Cockney sparrow'?
Answer: The archetype of a cheerful, talkative Cockney individual.
A 'Cockney sparrow' is a term that refers to the archetype of a cheerful and talkative Cockney person.
The 'Cockney diaspora' primarily refers to:
Answer: The migration of Cockney speakers to areas outside London and their descendants.
The 'Cockney diaspora' refers to the migration of Cockney speakers to areas outside London, such as new towns, and their descendants who maintain an identification with London.
What does the term 'Mockney' refer to?
Answer: A fake Cockney accent, sometimes also a self-deprecatory label by later generations of the diaspora.
'Mockney' refers to a fake or affected Cockney accent, but it can also be used as a self-deprecatory term by descendants of the Cockney diaspora.
How did the geographical definition of 'Cockney' change as London expanded?
Answer: It shifted from applying to all Londoners to more specific areas like the East End or Bow Bells vicinity.
As London expanded beyond the old walled City, the definition of 'Cockney' narrowed from applying to all Londoners to being associated with specific areas like the East End or those born within earshot of Bow Bells.
Which of the following is NOT listed as a traditional core district of London's East End?
Answer: Westminster
The source lists Bethnal Green, Shoreditch, and Stepney as core East End districts. Westminster is in the West End of London.
What was the purpose of the historical 'Cockney's Feast' held annually in Stepney?
Answer: To raise funds to apprentice Stepney boys in maritime trades.
The 'Cockney's Feast' (later Stepney Feast) was held in the 17th and 18th centuries to raise money for apprenticing local boys in maritime trades.
What did a 2012 study reveal about the modern audible range of Bow Bells?
Answer: They can only be heard as far as Shoreditch due to noise pollution.
A 2012 study indicated that due to modern noise pollution, the Bow Bells can now only be heard as far as Shoreditch, a much smaller range than in the 19th century.
According to legend, how far away did Dick Whittington hear the Bow Bells?
Answer: 4.5 miles at Highgate Hill
The legend states that Dick Whittington heard the Bow Bells from 4.5 miles away at Highgate Hill.
What historical event caused the Bow Bells to fall silent from June 13, 1940, until 1961?
Answer: The Blitz during World War II
The bells were destroyed in 1941 during the Blitz and had been silenced from June 1940 as part of anti-invasion preparations. They were not replaced until 1961.
Which of the following is a modern challenge for the literal 'within earshot' definition of a Cockney?
Answer: Significant noise pollution and absence of maternity wards in the area.
Modern challenges to the literal definition include the fact that the area around St Mary-le-Bow is no longer residential, has no maternity wards, and suffers from significant noise pollution.
A distinctive characteristic of Cockney speech is the consistent use of rhotic 'r' sounds after vowels.
Answer: False
Cockney is a non-rhotic accent, meaning the 'r' sound is not pronounced after a vowel.
Cockney vocabulary was influenced by borrowings from Yiddish and Romani languages.
Answer: True
The source states that Cockney vocabulary includes borrowings from Yiddish (e.g., 'kosher') and Romani (e.g., 'wonga').
John Camden Hotten's 1859 *Slang Dictionary* noted that East End costermongers were known for their peculiar slang language.
Answer: True
In his 1859 *Slang Dictionary*, John Camden Hotten specifically noted the costermongers of London's East End for 'their use of a peculiar slang language.'
The Cockney accent is a rhotic accent, meaning the 'r' sound is always pronounced after a vowel.
Answer: False
Cockney is a non-rhotic accent, which means the 'r' sound is not pronounced after a vowel.
T-glottalisation in Cockney involves replacing the /t/ sound with a glottal stop, particularly after a stressed syllable.
Answer: True
T-glottalisation is a key feature of Cockney, where the glottal stop is used as an allophone of /t/ in various positions, including after a stressed syllable.
Cockney is often mentioned in Semitic language textbooks because its T-glottalisation feature helps explain the glottal stop.
Answer: True
The feature of T-glottalisation in Cockney provides a useful example for explaining how to pronounce the glottal stop, a common sound in Semitic languages.
*Th*-fronting in Cockney means that /θ/ becomes /s/ and /ð/ becomes /z/.
Answer: False
In Cockney *th*-fronting, the voiceless /θ/ (as in 'thin') becomes /f/, and the voiced /ð/ (as in 'they') becomes /v/.
*Yod*-coalescence in Cockney involves merging /t/ or /d/ with a following /j/ to create affricates like /tʃ/ or /dʒ/.
Answer: True
*Yod*-coalescence is the process where sounds like /t/ or /d/ merge with a following /j/ sound to create affricates, such as pronouncing 'tune' as 'choon'.
H-dropping in Cockney means the /h/ sound is always pronounced at the beginning of words for emphasis.
Answer: False
H-dropping is a feature where the /h/ sound at the beginning of words is omitted, not pronounced.
L-vocalisation in Cockney replaces the 'dark L' sound with a vowel-like sound, such as /u/ or /w/.
Answer: True
L-vocalisation is a phonetic process where the 'dark L' sound at the end of a syllable is replaced by a vowel-like sound, like /u/ or /w/.
Grammatically, Cockney uses 'my' instead of 'me' for possession and avoids double negatives.
Answer: False
Cockney grammar is characterized by using 'me' instead of 'my' for possession (e.g., 'That's me book') and the common use of double negatives.
Which characteristic pronunciation feature is mentioned for Cockney speakers?
Answer: *Th*-fronting
The source explicitly mentions *th*-fronting as a characteristic pronunciation feature of Cockney speech.
Which languages are mentioned as influencing the early development of Cockney vocabulary?
Answer: Yiddish and Romani
The source states that Cockney vocabulary includes borrowings from Yiddish and Romani languages.
What did John Camden Hotten observe about London's East End costermongers in his 1859 *Slang Dictionary*?
Answer: Their use of a peculiar slang language.
John Camden Hotten's 1859 *Slang Dictionary* noted that the costermongers of London's East End were characterized by 'their use of a peculiar slang language.'
What does it mean for Cockney to be a non-rhotic accent?
Answer: The 'r' sound is never pronounced after a vowel.
A non-rhotic accent, such as Cockney, is one where the 'r' sound is not pronounced when it follows a vowel.
How is the vowel in words like 'bath' and 'grass' pronounced in Cockney?
Answer: As a broad open back unrounded vowel.
Cockney uses a broad open back unrounded vowel for words like 'bath' and 'grass,' a feature that originated in London in the 16th-17th centuries and is also found in Received Pronunciation.
Besides /t/, which other consonant sounds can be glottalised in Cockney, though less frequently?
Answer: /k/ and /p/
While T-glottalisation is most common, glottal stops can also occur, though less frequently, for the /k/ and /p/ sounds.
How can the /t/ sound be pronounced intervocalically in Cockney?
Answer: It may be flapped, similar to 'dd' in 'ladder' in some American English.
In an intervocalic position (between vowels), the /t/ sound in Cockney may be flapped, which involves a quick tap of the tongue against the alveolar ridge.
What is *th*-fronting in Cockney for the sound /θ/ (as in 'thin')?
Answer: It becomes a voiceless labiodental fricative /f/.
*Th*-fronting involves the voiceless dental fricative /θ/ becoming a voiceless labiodental fricative /f/, so 'thin' is pronounced like 'fin'.
When are alveolar stops /t/ and /d/ often omitted in informal Cockney?
Answer: In non-prevocalic environments.
In informal Cockney, the alveolar stops /t/ and /d/ are often omitted in non-prevocalic environments (i.e., when not followed by a vowel).
What is L-vocalisation in the Cockney dialect?
Answer: The replacement of the 'dark L' sound with a vowel-like sound.
L-vocalisation is a process where the 'dark L' sound (at the end of a syllable) is replaced by a vowel-like sound, often resembling /u/ or /w/.
Which grammatical feature is characteristic of Cockney speech?
Answer: Frequent use of double negatives.
The source identifies the use of double negatives (e.g., 'I didn't see nuffink') as a characteristic grammatical feature of Cockney.
Estuary English is a linguistic development that is entirely replacing the Cockney dialect in London.
Answer: False
Estuary English is an intermediate accent between Cockney and Received Pronunciation. It is Multicultural London English (MLE) that is, to some extent, replacing Cockney, though MLE retains significant Cockney influence.
A 1964 study found Leytonstone's dialect to be identical to Bethnal Green's Cockney.
Answer: False
The 1964 study found that Leytonstone's dialect was very similar to that of Bethnal Green, but some features still distinguished it from Cockney.
Multicultural London English (MLE) is causing some aspects of the Cockney accent to decline in multicultural areas of London.
Answer: True
Linguistic research indicates that some aspects of the Cockney accent are declining in multicultural areas of London, being displaced by Multicultural London English (MLE).
Paul Kerswill predicted in 2010 that the Cockney accent would disappear from London's streets within 50 years.
Answer: False
In July 2010, sociolinguist Paul Kerswill predicted that the Cockney accent would disappear from London's streets within 30 years, not 50.
The building of the Becontree estate in Dagenham contributed to the spread of the Cockney dialect because residents retained their Cockney speech.
Answer: True
The Becontree estate was built to rehouse poor East Enders, who typically retained their Cockney dialect, thus spreading it to a previously rural area of Essex.
World War II bombing caused many London refugees to adopt local dialects in their new homes, limiting Cockney's spread.
Answer: False
Refugees from London during World War II continued to speak Cockney in their new homes, which contributed to the dialect's spread, rather than limiting it.
The London County Council in 1909 praised the Cockney mode of speech as a legitimate and historically rich dialect.
Answer: False
In 1909, the London County Council regarded the Cockney mode of speech as 'a modern corruption without legitimate credentials' and unworthy of the capital city.
In the 1950s, the BBC regularly featured Cockney accents in all its programming, including news broadcasts.
Answer: False
In the 1950s, only Received Pronunciation (RP) was heard on the BBC, except in entertainment programs. Cockney and other regional accents were not featured.
The spread of Cockney English since the 1960s is believed to be partly due to its heavy use in popular BBC One soap operas like *EastEnders*.
Answer: True
Studies indicate that the heavy use of South East England accents on television and radio, particularly in popular shows like *EastEnders*, may have contributed to the spread of Cockney English.
Some sources claim that many features of the Cockney accent may become standard in the future.
Answer: True
Due to its increasing influence, some sources predict that many features of the Cockney accent may become standard in the future.
Working-class adolescents in Glasgow have adopted some Cockney features, such as *TH*-fronting, reducing typical Scottish features.
Answer: True
Studies suggest that working-class adolescents in Glasgow have begun to adopt certain aspects of Cockney, such as *TH*-fronting, which has infiltrated the traditional Glasgow patter.
Estuary English was first publicly recognized in a 1984 article by David Rosewarne in the *Times Educational Supplement*.
Answer: True
Estuary English gained public prominence following an article by David Rosewarne published in the *Times Educational Supplement* in October 1984.
John C. Wells concluded that Joanna Przedlacka's research confirmed Estuary English as a single entity sweeping the southeast.
Answer: False
Phonetician John C. Wells stated that Joanna Przedlacka's research 'demolished the claim that EE was a single entity,' concluding instead that various sound changes are spreading independently.
How does Multicultural London English (MLE) relate to the Cockney dialect?
Answer: MLE is a new form of speech that is, to some extent, replacing Cockney, though it retains Cockney influence.
MLE is a newer multiethnolect that is displacing Cockney in some areas, but it has been influenced by Cockney, retaining features like the glottal stop and double negatives.
What did a 1964 dialectological study in Leytonstone conclude about its dialect in relation to Cockney?
Answer: It was very similar to Bethnal Green's dialect, though some features still distinguished it from Cockney.
The 1964 study found Leytonstone's dialect to be very similar to Cockney as spoken in Bethnal Green, but with some remaining distinguishing features.
Which of the following Cockney features have influenced Multicultural London English (MLE)?
Answer: The glottal stop, double negatives, and vocalisation of the dark L.
The source identifies the glottal stop, double negatives, and the vocalisation of the dark L as Cockney features that have influenced Multicultural London English.
What did Paul Kerswill predict about the Cockney accent in July 2010?
Answer: It would disappear from London's streets within 30 years, replaced by MLE.
In 2010, sociolinguist Paul Kerswill predicted that the Cockney accent would disappear from London's streets within 30 years, to be replaced by Multicultural London English (MLE).
According to Alexander John Ellis, what influenced the development of Cockney itself?
Answer: The influence of Essex dialect on London speech.
Linguistic historian Alexander John Ellis noted in 1890 that the Cockney dialect itself developed due to the influence of the Essex dialect on London speech.
What role did the Becontree estate in Dagenham play in the spread of the Cockney dialect?
Answer: It was a large estate where poor East Enders retained their Cockney dialect, spreading it to a previously rural area.
The Becontree estate was built to rehouse poor East Enders, who then retained their Cockney dialect, which was influential in spreading the accent to a previously rural part of Essex.
How did World War II contribute to the spread of the Cockney dialect?
Answer: Refugees from London continued to speak Cockney in their new homes, spreading the dialect.
During World War II, many refugees left London due to bombing but continued to speak Cockney in their new homes, which contributed to the dialect's spread.
How did the London County Council perceive the Cockney accent in 1909?
Answer: As a modern corruption unworthy of the capital city.
In 1909, a conference by the London County Council regarded the Cockney mode of speech as 'a modern corruption without legitimate credentials' and 'unworthy' of London.
How has the presence of Cockney accents on the BBC changed since the 1950s?
Answer: It is now commonly heard, unlike the 1950s when only RP was heard outside entertainment.
While only Received Pronunciation (RP) was heard on the BBC in the 1950s (outside of entertainment), various accents, including Cockney, are commonly heard today, indicating a significant shift in acceptance.
What is believed to have contributed to the spread of Cockney English since the 1960s?
Answer: Heavy use of South East England accents on television and radio, particularly *EastEnders*.
Studies suggest that the heavy use of South East England accents in popular media, especially soap operas like *EastEnders*, may have caused the spread of Cockney English since the 1960s.
What is a future prediction for Cockney accent features?
Answer: They may become standard in the future due to increasing influence.
The source claims that Cockney is becoming increasingly influential, and some predict that many of its features may become standard in the future.
How has Cockney influenced speech in Glasgow, Scotland?
Answer: Working-class adolescents have adopted some Cockney features like *TH*-fronting, reducing typical Scottish features.
Studies suggest that working-class adolescents in Glasgow have started to adopt Cockney features like *TH*-fronting, which has begun to infiltrate the traditional Glasgow patter.
What is Estuary English?
Answer: London pronunciations that are slightly closer to Received Pronunciation than Cockney.
Estuary English is described as an intermediate accent, representing London pronunciations that are slightly closer to Received Pronunciation (RP) than Cockney is.
When did Estuary English first gain public prominence?
Answer: In October 1984, in an article by David Rosewarne.
Estuary English first gained public prominence in an article by David Rosewarne in the *Times Educational Supplement* in October 1984.
Adele and Amy Winehouse are among the notable musicians identified as having Cockney accents.
Answer: True
The source lists both Adele and Amy Winehouse among the notable musicians identified as Cockney.
Charlie Chaplin and Michael Caine are identified as notable actors and comedians with Cockney accents.
Answer: True
The source lists both Charlie Chaplin and Michael Caine among the notable actors and comedians identified as Cockney.
David Beckham and Harry Kane are listed as notable footballers identified as Cockney.
Answer: True
The source lists both David Beckham and Harry Kane among the notable footballers and sports personalities identified as Cockney.
Ken Loach's early films like *Cathy Come Home* are known for featuring genuine Cockney dialect speakers.
Answer: True
The source mentions that some of Ken Loach's early films set in London, including *Cathy Come Home*, feature genuine dialect speakers, including Cockney.
*Bronco Bullfrog* required subtitles for American audiences due to its strong Cockney dialect.
Answer: True
The film *Bronco Bullfrog* was released with the tagline 'Cockney Youth – With English Subtitles' due to the strong dialect making it difficult for some audiences to understand.
The video game *Grand Theft Auto V* is mentioned as centering around Cockney gangster culture.
Answer: False
The video games mentioned as centering around Cockney gangster culture are *The Getaway* and *Blood & Truth*, not *Grand Theft Auto V*.
Which of the following musicians is identified as Cockney in the source?
Answer: Adele
The source lists Adele, from Tottenham, as a notable musician identified as Cockney.
Which of these broadcasters/presenters is identified as Cockney?
Answer: Danny Dyer
The source lists Danny Dyer, from Custom House, as a notable broadcaster and television presenter identified as Cockney.
Which of the following actors/comedians is identified as Cockney?
Answer: Michael Caine
The source lists Michael Caine, from Rotherhithe, as a notable actor identified as Cockney.
Which of these footballers/sports personalities is identified as Cockney?
Answer: David Beckham
The source lists David Beckham, from Leytonstone, as a notable footballer identified as Cockney.
Which of the following films by Ken Loach is mentioned as featuring genuine Cockney dialect speakers?
Answer: *Cathy Come Home*
The source mentions *Cathy Come Home* as one of Ken Loach's early films that featured genuine dialect speakers, including Cockney.
Which musical is known for featuring Cockney accents or themes?
Answer: *Oliver!*
The source lists the musical *Oliver!* as a notable work known for featuring Cockney accents or themes.
Which video game is mentioned as centering around Cockney gangster culture?
Answer: *The Getaway*
The source mentions the video games *The Getaway* and *Blood & Truth* as centering around Cockney gangster culture.
In *Downton Abbey: A New Era*, what problem did the character Myrna Dalgleish face when transitioning to talking films?
Answer: Her Cockney accent was unsuitable for talking films.
In *Downton Abbey: A New Era*, the character Myrna Dalgleish, a silent film actress, has a Cockney accent that is considered unsuitable for the new 'talking films'.