Cockney

a nickname for a native of London. The origin of the word is unknown. One suggestion is that cockney is related to coquina, a kitchen, in the sense of a hanger-on for broken victuals. Another equally wise suggestion connects the term with cock's egg--a small misshapen egg. A genuine cockney must be born within hearing of Bowbells,--that is within the city. The term is used rather in derision, as cockney conceit, cockney speech.