University College London researchers have warned that a Tube journey can be as loud as a rock concert, and that it could cause irreversible hearing damage. They mapped the loudest journeys in Zones 1 and 2, and found the Victoria line is the worst offender. Lead researcher Dr Joe Sollini said that the noise was loud enough for work settings, but it was also damaging to people’s hearing.
Cockney rhyming slang
Cockney rhyming Slang is a form of dialect that originated in the East End of London. Often used as shorthand by market vendors, it conveys the meaning of a phrase without a single syllable. Its roots are in the criminal underworld of the East End. It was first used by criminals to confuse police and to communicate in a way no one could understand. Eventually, it became a part of Cockney identity.
Cockney rhyming phrases were originally used as code words. While they’re now harmless nicknames, many of them have a history of being derogatory or vile. During the 1950s, working-class Londoners were fond of wordplay and would often cut out the rhyming part of a phrase. This led to phrases like “taking the mickey” and “telling porkies”.
Some people might think that Londoners speak Cockney rhyming Slang, but most Londoners speak normal English. Some of the most commonly used words in London are cell phone, subway, elevator, and toilet.
High noise levels on the Tube
The BBC has a new documentary out on the effects of high noise levels on the Tube. In this episode, they look at the effects of noise on Londoners’ hearing. It is important to wear ear protection when entering or exiting a tube. Noise levels at a subway station above 85 decibels are dangerous, and you should take measures to protect your hearing.
There are four main lines in London, and the Victoria line is the noisiest on average. The Central line’s quietest section is between Cheapside and Old Broad Street, while the Victoria and Jubilee lines are the most noisy. The Victoria line, which has fewer curves, can be extremely loud.
The NHS recommends that you wear ear protection for exposure to noise above 85 decibels. However, noise levels on the Tube can be worse than that. The peak readings on the Northern and Central lines are 98 decibels.
RAF Typhoon jets
After two days of terror attacks, the city is on edge. Residents of north London were woken up early Sunday by a loud bang, and some even reported their cars shaking. After contacting the Royal Air Force, a spokesperson said the bang was actually the sound of an RAF Typhoon jet breaking the sound barrier. The incident was captured by surveillance cameras across the city.
The loud bang heard across east London was actually caused by RAF fighter jets intercepting a private jet. The sonic boom caused by the RAF jet was so powerful that residents in the area reported feeling their houses shake. The noise was so loud that some people thought a bomb had gone off. Some even thought their boiler had blown up.
Despite the loud noise, the jets are only heard from a few miles away. People who live near RAF bases can usually hear them. However, if you live in the central London area, the noise can be even louder.
Scousers
The idea that Scousers are louder than Londoners is not new. The concept has been the subject of much academic discussion, and this article explores the Scouse identity and its dimensions. In particular, we examine the influence of the distinctive dialect and accent. We look at the role of vernacular in defining local identity and who belongs there.
Some residents of Liverpool believe that this sense of separateness and uniqueness is only an affectation. They point to the supporters of Manchester United adopting the Argentinean flag or the demonisation of David Beckham as examples of this. Regardless of whether these claims are true, the concept of being a Scouser is a powerful force in Liverpool.
Scouse is a dialect of English that is widely distinct from other English dialects. After the First World War, Scouse became a common word for people in Liverpool. The name was first used to describe the people who lived in the dense slums between the Mersey and Scotland Road. At that time, it was a derogatory term. The name Scouser was eventually adopted as a badge of pride.