London A–Z
A glossary of London terms
London assumes you already know its words. A colleague works "in the City", a flat is "Zone 2", a client is a liveryman, a friend has tickets for the Proms, and the Lord Mayor turns out not to be the Mayor. Guidebooks list the sights; this glossary explains the words to the adult who has just moved here for work, in plain English, one term per page, each with its sources.
How to use this glossary
The opening paragraph of each term answers the question on its own. "In practice" gives the working detail, and the last section says why the word matters to a newcomer. Each page names its source, so fares, rules and dates can be rechecked.
The City and the professions
- Barbican Estate - The Brutalist housing estate and arts centre in the City.
- Inns of Court - The four associations every barrister in England and Wales must join.
- Livery company - The City's trade associations, descended from medieval guilds.
- Lord Mayor - The one-year head of the City of London, not the Mayor of London.
- Square Mile - The City of London, the historic core and financial district.
Culture
- Blue plaque - The signs marking where notable people lived and worked.
- The Proms - The BBC's summer season of classical concerts.
- West End - London's theatre, shopping and nightlife district.
Getting around
- Night Tube - All-night trains on some lines at weekends.
- Oyster - TfL's pay-as-you-go card, and contactless.
- ULEZ - The daily emissions charge for older vehicles.
- Zones - The fare rings that set Tube and rail prices.
Old London traditions
- Beefeater - The Yeoman Warders of the Tower of London.
- Cockney rhyming slang - Words replaced by rhyming phrases, then half dropped.
- Pearly Kings and Queens - Charity fundraisers in suits covered with pearl buttons.
London BGTC Society is independent and is not affiliated with the City of London Corporation, Transport for London or any organisation named in this glossary.