Do You Want To Sound Like Royalty? Don’t Ever Use These Words

FameAugust 9, 2017

Have you ever felt slightly intimidated before talking to someone of importance? Ever wondered if you will be able to avoid embarrassing yourself, and following the proper etiquette? Now, imagine having to converse with someone from a Royal family in the world? Imagine finding out that some of the words you use in everyday conversations are simply unacceptable to them. Now, they would not mind hearing the words, but they would never utter those words themselves.

Well, to help us out (you know, in case we all once got to talk to the Queen) Kate Fox, a social anthropologist, and the author of Watching the English: The Hidden Rules of English Behaviour, studied the speech patterns of the upper class. These are some the words you should never expect to hear from a Royal family member. You should possibly avoid using these words.

Posh

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In everyday use, the word “posh” would mean that something is luxurious, that it belongs to the upper class, or that is simply elegant. However, for the Royals, it is not quite so. According to Fox, the only way a member of the Royal family would ever use the word “posh” would be in an ironic tone. .” using the word to describe something is almost an insult to the thing they are talking about. In fact, the word is considered a “low-class” word. Instead, they prefer the use of the word “smart” to depict elegance.

Toilet

It is almost inconceivable to hear a Royal say this word. And it is not because of the manners themselves. In fact, there is no real stigma about having to go. However, the word “toilet” is a term that originated from France, and as such, the Royals do frown upon the usage of it. They much prefer to call it as “lavatory.”

Living Room

Well, to be fair, Royals do not mind using the words “living room” in conjunction at all. However, they simply do not have one. They do not have a lounge, a den or, as stated, a living room. As you have probably guessed, the Buckingham Palace is huge. Seriously huge. In fact, it has 775 rooms. However, not a single one of them is called a living room. They do have sitting rooms and drawing rooms to relax in.

Perfume

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In the household of the Queen and the Mountbatten-Windsors, the ladies will never wear “Perfume.” Instead, they would use their “scents.” That goes for compliments as well. While it would be almost creepy to compliment the scent of a person in everyday life, it would be considered a much-favored alternative to complimenting the perfume the Royals are using.

Couch

This one comes as a bit of a surprise, but it turns out they avoid the use of the words “couch” and “settee .” Rather, they stick to a simple word “sofa” when they want to depict this object.

Patio

When they want to enjoy in lovely time and go outside, the Royal family members never go out on their patio. Instead, they simply take their party to the terrace. We must admit, the word does sound “posh.” Oops! We meant to say “smart.”

Tea (referring to the meal)

In Britain, “tea” does not only depict the hot beverage. A lot of people call their evening meal “tea.” However, in the upper classes of the society that meal is called “dinner” or “supper.” Calling it ”tea” is simply a sign that you belong to the working class.

Pardon

Now this one came as a total surprise. We were all taught that “pardon” is the most polite way possible to ask someone to repeat something you did not quite pick up during the conversation. However, it is not quite like that with the Royals – they would much prefer if you simply said “Sorry?” and while talking to them, do not be surprised if they only said “What?”.

Mum

Now, this one came unexpectedly. During his speech, Prince Charles referred to Queen Elizabeth as “mummy” rather than “mom” or “mother”. Seems like she is fairly sentimental of the word.

Portions (food)

To the common folk, what you have is a “portion” of food. However, the upper-class will rather have their “helpings”.

Now, we hope you feel a bit more prepared than before reading this text for the moment in your life when you will inevitably get the opportunity to converse with the Royal family. Good luck!