Cockney
A Cockney is a person from the East End of London, traditionally defined as someone born within earshot of the Bow Bells at St. Mary-le-Bow church, known for their distinctive accent, humor, and resilient spirit. In modern usage, it extends to the broader cultural identity marked by witty slang and working-class roots, often celebrated in media and music as a symbol of authentic London life.
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Remarkably, the Bow Bells that define a true Cockney's birthplace have been recorded since the 15th century, but due to urban expansion and noise pollution, the area where they can be heard has shrunk from about 5 miles in the 19th century to less than 1 mile today, potentially limiting the number of new Cockneys to just a few hundred births per year.
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