Street
china
What does china mean?
The shortened form of 'china plate', Cockney rhyming slang for mate/friend.
"Alright, my old china? Good to see you."
Origin
Clip of 'china plate' ('plate' rhymes with 'mate').
Frequently asked questions
What does 'china' mean in Cockney?
It means 'mate' or friend. It's the clipped form of 'china plate', which rhymes with mate.
How do you use 'china'?
As a friendly term of address, most famously in the greeting 'alright, my old china?'
Where does it come from?
From the rhyming slang 'china plate' — 'plate' rhymes with 'mate' — shortened to just 'china'.
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