Definition of "Cockney"

COCKNEY, a native of London. An ancient nickname implying effeminacy, used by the oldest English writers, and derived from the imaginary fool's paradise, or lubberland, Cockaygne.

1859, J.C. Hotten, A Dictionary of Modern Slang, Cant and Vulgar Words, section 22

Londoners, and all within the sound of Bow Bell, are in reproach called Cockneys.

1617, Fynes Moryson, An Itinerary

A Cockney or Cocksie, applied only to one born within the sound of Bow bell, that is in the City of London.

1617, John Minsheu, Ductor in Linguas

“Charming place, ma’am,” said he, bowing to the widow; “noble prospect—delightful to us Cocknies, who seldom see anything but Pall Mall.”

1848 November – 1850 December, William Makepeace Thackeray, chapter 26, in The History of Pendennis. […], volumes (please specify |volume=I or II), London: Bradbury and Evans, […], published 1849–1850

Parkinson: You made films before, but the part that really made your name was Zulu, wasn't it […] and there of course—against type—you played the toff, you played the officer.Caine: I played the officer, yeah, and everybody thought I was like that. Everyone was so shocked when they met me, this like Cockney guy had played this toffee-nosed git.

2000 December 18, BBC and Bafta Tribute to Michael Caine, 16:43-17:05