The document traces the etymology and history of the term "Cockney" from its origins meaning "cock's egg" to its modern usage. It discusses the evolution of Cockney from referring to misshapen eggs, to pampered children, to city dwellers, and ultimately to refer specifically to those born within hearing distance of Bow Bells in London. The document also outlines several linguistic features of Cockney dialect including H-dropping, TH-fronting, and use of rhyming slang.