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What is cockney for taxi?

Sherbet. Slang for cab. It derives from the Cockney rhyming term, 'sherbet dab' (the sugary tooth-dissolving treat that you chow down with a lollipop).



In Cockney Rhyming Slang, there are a few variations for "taxi," but the most common and widely recognized term is "Joe Baxi." Like most rhyming slang, the term uses a name or phrase that rhymes with the target word; in this case, "Baxi" (a brand of boiler) rhymes with "taxi." Another peer-recommended variation you might hear in the East End of London is "Sherbet Dab," which rhymes with "Cab" (the shortened form of taxicab). A "Sherbet Dab" is a traditional British sweet, and the term has been used for decades to describe a London black cab. For those really deep into the slang, "Andy McNab" (the famous former SAS soldier) is also used for "cab." While these terms are high-value pieces of linguistic heritage, a peer-to-peer "pro" tip for 2026: if you are actually trying to hail a ride in London, just shouting "Taxi!" or using the "Gett" app is far more effective than trying to use rhyming slang, as many modern drivers might not be local East Enders familiar with the "Joe Baxi" tradition.

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The famous London taxis are actually called 'hackney carriages' but in London we just call them 'black cabs/taxis'.

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On this page you'll find 7 synonyms, antonyms, and words related to taxi driver, such as: cabbie, cabby, cab driver, cabman, hack, and hackman.

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a car driven by a person whose job is to take passengers where they want to go in exchange for money. synonyms: cab, hack, taxicab.

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A cab is a taxi.

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That said, hailing is a fairly specific word that not everyone uses. If someone uses call a taxi, I wouldn't be surprised if they then go and hail a taxi.

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