Bow bells

American  

[boh] / boʊ /

plural noun

1. the bells of Bow church, in the East End district of London: traditionally, a true Cockney is born and raised within the sound of Bow bells.

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Etymology

Origin of Bow bells

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

Traditionally, a Cockney is anyone "born within the sound of Bow bells" - the bells of St.Mary-le-Bow church in the heart of medieval London.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 20, 2012

Yet I welcome the digital download of Bow bells if it can encourage the virtues of self-reliance and magnanimity that are characteristic of these unjustly misrepresented people.

From The Guardian • Jun. 26, 2012

She calls herself "a true cockney" – she was born in Barts hospital on a Sunday morning to the sound of the Bow bells.

From The Guardian • Mar. 20, 2011

"I'm afraid our 'Enery will 'ave to 'it 'im over the bonce with Bow bells to beat 'im," admitted one Londoner.

From Time Magazine Archive

Those giants were never reared within the sound of Bow bells, and to be impertinent to either the old lady or the young one were the height of folly. 

From Here and There in London by Ritchie, J. Ewing (James Ewing)