Cocks & Cider

While enjoying a hearty sunday roast lunch with Australian and French friends today, the topic of conversation led to Chinese astrological signs, and in particular, one friend's sign being a rooster (or coq in French), which turned into a discussion around the comfortable usage of the word 'cock' in the UK (somehow). Being from the States/Canada, you just wouldn't see signs, restaurants or desserts named after the rooster, or different forms thereof. The best way to draw you into this strange dialogue is through the following five illustrations of the cultural comfort and differences in employing this and related terms...



The classic British Spotted Dick dessert


The Famous Cock Tavern in Islington


Dirty Dicks near Liverpool tube station


And last but not least, the Rising Cock Hostel in Portugal.