Where i come from in the UK there is a really strange accent and words that you would think are strictly east end London are in common use there (hence my knowledge). Theis came about because of relocation of people from london after the War and the expansion outwards from the capital during the sixties. Also TV has a way of getting words out. A typical London word f'rinstance "Plonker" meaning idiot e.g. "Rodney you are a real plonker." (direct quote from the BBC Comedy 'Only Fools and Horses). Wanker has made it's way to US Shores through the medium of TV shows and Phil Collins in that Miami Vice episode ( Miami Vice sort of suited Phil Collins..bland and without much talent).