Street
bow bells
What does bow bells mean?
The bells of St Mary-le-Bow church in Cheapside; traditionally, a true Cockney must be born within earshot of them.
"Born within the sound of Bow Bells, he's a Cockney through and through."
Origin
The church of St Mary-le-Bow in the City of London; the earshot test dates back centuries.
Frequently asked questions
What are Bow Bells?
They're the bells of St Mary-le-Bow church in Cheapside, in the City of London. By tradition, a true Cockney has to be born within earshot of them.
Why do Bow Bells define a Cockney?
For centuries the phrase 'born within the sound of Bow Bells' has been the popular test of who counts as a genuine Cockney, tying the identity to that specific corner of old London.
Is 'Bow Bells' rude?
No, it's a neutral cultural reference to a real London church and its bells.
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