The Popularity of Cockney Rhyming Slang
https://www.stuffyoushouldknow.com/podcasts/cockney-rhyming-slang-beautiful-gibberish.htm
This podcast talks about all things related to Cockney rhyming slang to how it originated. Cockney rhyming slang is a slang that originated in 1840s London that makes sentences sound seemingly nonsensical. For example, the phrase “let’s get this bread” where bread actually means money is an example that comes from rhyming money with honey, which becomes the phrase bread and honey, which becomes just bread. Cockney rhyming slang is particularly interesting in that it became so widespread and long-lasting compared to other forms of slang that tend to trend briefly and die. This can be explained through some of the concepts recently discussed in lecture.
There can be both information-based and direct-benefit reasons for slang to trend. An information-based reason would be that many other people are using the slang and so you start using it as well. A direct-benefit reason could be that it is enjoyable for an individual to study/speak the slang. Cockney rhyming slang spread quickly partly because there are no set rules on who can create new phrases or what counts as “official” slang. Anyone could partake in it, and add their own twists as well. This would help make it widespread, and the more widespread it became the more likely it was for new people to pick it up. For direct-benefit reasons, the spread of the slang may have been helped by gangs that started to use it as a code language. Also, humans have a natural tendency to play with words and rhyming, just for enjoyment (e.g. “see ya later alligator”).