South London Speaks, written by Stephen P Daly, is an anecdotal record of everyday language between 1950 and 1980.
It draws on Stephen’s own memories as well as contributions from long-time residents, family members and friends who recalled the phrases they grew up with.
Stephen said: “This book is my love letter to the south London I grew up in.
“It’s a tribute to the wit, warmth and rhythm of the people who shaped my early years.
“I wanted to preserve the voice of a generation before it disappears.”
The book contains a wide variety of expressions, from sharp insults to humorous one liners and practical sayings.
Some are fondly remembered, others rarely heard today.
Among them are “This won’t get the sausages pricked” meaning I must press on, make progress; “Don’t give me that old toffee” meaning an excuse; “Short arm and long pockets” meaning someone tight fisted; “About as much use as a button on a sock” meaning completely useless; and “I see no ships, only hardships” meaning a pessimistic outlook on the future.
Other phrases are longer and more colourful, such as “Why don’t you put some jam on your ankle and invite your trousers down for tea” which was said when someone’s trousers were too short-
Stephen makes clear that South London Speaks is not an academic study, nor is it limited only to expressions unique to the south of the Thames.
Many of the sayings were also used across Greater London, parts of the UK and even Ireland.
He says the aim is to preserve how they were spoken and remembered in south London communities during those decades.
He writes that the origin of the words is less important than their role in everyday conversations, school playgrounds, markets and pubs.
For Stephen, they form a living record of the resilience, humour and quick wit that shaped life in the post war years.
Stephen grew up in South London and was educated at Stockwell Manor School, Southwark College and the London College of Printing at Elephant and Castle.
Over the years he has worked as a shipping clerk on Bankside, a librarian for Lambeth Council, a graphic designer, a hostel manager for young single homeless people, and as a teacher of English as a second language.
The book carries an adults only warning, as some of the language is sweary and not politically correct by today’s standards.
Stephen says the aim is not to tidy up the past but to record it faithfully.
He added: “This is what was said and how we said it in families and communities throughout south London in the period.”
South London Speaks is available now on Amazon.
