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Rosie Lee

What's the meaning of the phrase 'Rosie Lee'?

Tea.

What's the origin of the phrase 'Rosie Lee'?

The origin of this example of Cockney rhyming slang isn’t known. We can say for sure that it doesn’t derive from the name of the burlesque dancer Gypsy Rose Lee as the expression, which is known in print from 1925, pre-dates her working life.

The history of “Rosie Lee” in printed materials

Trend of rosie lee in printed material over time

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About the Author

Gary Martin is a writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.
Rosie Lee

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