Rosie Lee

English

Alternative forms

• rosie lee, Rosy Lee, Rosey Lee, Rosie Lea

Etymology

Originally military slang.

Noun

Rosie Lee (uncountable)

1. (Cockney rhyming slang) Tea (drink).

   Synonym: (ellipsis) Rosie

   I'll put the kettle on and make us a cup of Rosie Lee.

   • 2007, Rhys Bowen, Her Royal Spyness, page 203:

     “ […] Nice cup of Rosie Lee?” he asked, using the Cockney tradition of rhyming slang.

Further reading

• Jonathon Green (2024) “rosie (lea) n.”, in Green’s Dictionary of Slang