Street
kettle and hob
What does kettle and hob mean?
Cockney rhyming slang for a watch, from 'fob watch'; usually clipped to 'kettle'.
"Nice kettle — is that a real Rolex?"
Origin
'Hob' plays on 'fob'; a fob watch sat by the 'hob'. Traditional London rhyming slang.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'kettle and hob' mean?
It's Cockney rhyming slang for a watch, derived from 'fob watch'. In everyday use it's shortened to just 'kettle'.
Why does 'kettle' mean watch?
The full phrase 'kettle and hob' plays on 'fob' (as in a fob watch); Cockneys typically drop the rhyming word, leaving 'kettle'.
How do you use 'kettle'?
You'd admire someone's watch by saying 'nice kettle' — for instance asking if it's a real Rolex.
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