British English Slang – Dog and bone.
Telephone.
This expression is an example of Cockney (or London) rhyming slang. In this type of slang, a word is replaced by a phrase that rhymes with it. Here, bone rhymes with phone. This type of slang is associated with the people of East London, particularly market traders.
Unlike many rhyming slang expressions, dog and bone is usually said in full. You’ll mostly hear it used jokily: “Get on the dog and bone!”
Cockney Rhyming Slang:
Here are some more examples of Cockney rhyming slang. In many of them the rhyming word is dropped – we just say loaf, not loaf of bread, when we mean head. That’s what makes it so hard to guess!
- Apples and pears – Stairs
- Brown bread – Dead
- (You’re having a) bubble (from bubble bath) – Laugh
- (Have a) butcher’s (from butcher’s hook) – Look
- China (from China plate) – Mate
- Dicky bow – Bow tie
- Loaf (from loaf of bread) – Head
- (It’s all gone) Pete Tong – Wrong – Pete Tong is a well-known English DJ on BBC Radio 1.
- Ruby Murray – Curry – Ruby Murray was an Irish pop singer from the 1950s.
- Trouble and strife – Wife
More Cockney Rhyming Slang.
Example:
- “Please turn down your music! Dad is on the dog and bone!”
What is slang?
Slang is very informal language. It’s usually spoken rather than written, and is often used by a particular group of people or in a particular place. Slang changes over time, and using it well is a great way to sound more natural when speaking English.
Love animal idioms? See our full list of 50 animal idioms in English, with meanings and examples.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is Cockney rhyming slang for “phone”, because “bone” rhymes with “phone”.
Sometimes, but mostly as a joke. It is well known across the UK, but it is not something most people say every day.
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