Definition of the word rhyming slang

The fundamental concept of rhyming slang is that a phrase is used as a replacement for a specific word, with the final word rhyming with the word being substituted. For example, "apples and pears" replaces the word "stairs," where "apples" is "stairs," and "pears" is "goes." The origin of rhyming slang is not entirely clear, but it is believed that it began as a form of secrecy among thieves. In prisons, slang expressions were used to communicate surreptitiously, as they were more challenging to decipher than normal language. The use of rhyming slang became widespread outside of prison walls, particularly in the working-class neighborhoods where crime was more prevalent. The code allowed people to communicate their intentions in public places, where eavesdropping was common. Over time, rhyming slang has evolved and adapted to reflect changing social and cultural trends. Today, it is less commonly used than in the past but is still a part of British slang and can be heard in particular contexts, such as cockney rhyming slang, a dialect still spoken in certain areas of London.