Explore how English evolves through regional language and street culture.
Read the article and answer the comprehension questions.
For centuries, London has been the birthplace of bold new language. From Cockney rhyming slang to modern "street speak," the capital's young people have always invented creative ways to talk. But is this tradition dying?
A recent study suggests that traditional Cockney slang is less common among London teenagers today. Words like "apples and pears" (stairs) and "dog and bone" (phone) were once understood by everyone in East London. Now, even young Londoners don't always know them. Meanwhile, new slang emerges online — "safe," "fam," "wet" — borrowed from music, social media, and youth culture across the UK and beyond.
Some educators worry that slang excludes people and complicates learning. Others argue that slang is how young people express identity and belong to a group. They say that dismissing slang as "bad English" ignores how language naturally evolves. After all, today's slang becomes tomorrow's standard English.
"Young people aren't abandoning London culture," says linguist Dr. James Chen. "They're redefining it. Slang always dies and is reborn. That's how languages stay alive."
Match each slang term with the correct definition.
Below are some real examples of London and UK youth slang. Read each definition and choose the correct term from the dropdown.
Share your views on how language evolves and what it means for society.
The article suggests that young people are redefining London culture through new slang, rather than abandoning it. Do you think this is a positive thing for English language and culture? Why or why not?
Write 100–150 words. Consider:
0 / 150 words
Check your answers before submitting.