Estuary English is a dialect of English that originated in the areas around the River Thames in London and its surrounding regions. It combines elements of Cockney and Received Pronunciation (RP), making it a unique blend of urban and more traditional speech patterns. This dialect is characterized by specific pronunciation features, such as the dropping of the 'h' sound and the use of glottal stops.
The use of Estuary English has grown in popularity, especially among younger speakers in the South East of England. It reflects a shift in social attitudes, where regional accents are increasingly accepted in professional and public settings. This dialect is often seen as a marker of identity and belonging in contemporary British culture.