Royalties like the British Family have a lot of expectations from people around them, not just because they’re the ones ruling such monarchy but because people (commoners) look up into them- their conduct, behavior, the way they dress, and of course, how they speak.
Like regular people, royals have their long whole list of words they can speak freely but unlike us, there are just some certain words they prefer not to use. I don’t know exactly why but according to anthropologist Kate Fox, if royals use these words, they’ll be marked as a commoner. Well, we won’t be surprised to know that Kate Middleton bid farewell to a whole lot of words after she married Prince William and the royalty in 2011.
To disclose, here are some of the words black listed in the palace of royalties:
- Pardon
To a Royal, “pardon” is worse than a curse word. It’s because it’s derived from French and appears to be an attempt by the middle class to be delicate and refined. Royals prefer “sorry” or “what.” Or sometimes used together, as in “Sorry – what?” or “What – sorry?”
- Toilet
Again, “toilet” is hated because of its French origins. Royals prefer “loo” or “lavatory,” pronounced “lavuhtry” with the accent on the first syllable. It’s considered middle class to use words like “Gents,” “Ladies,” “bathroom,” “powder room,” “facilities,” and “convenience.”’
- Mom and Dad
Normal people call their parents “Mom and Dad”; royal children say “Mummy and Daddy.” Prince Charles provided an example of this at the age of 64 by addressing the Queen as “Mummy” in his speech at her Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
- Perfume
Moms wear perfume. Mummies call it “scent.”
- Dinner/Tea
Calling your evening meal “tea” is a working-class indicator: the higher echelons call this meal “dinner” or “supper.” But royals almost exclusively use “supper.” “Dinner” is a formal occasion — and never, ever a “dinner party.” BTW, they use the word “tea” only to describe the hot drink.
- Serviette
Another French word in English. Some say “serviette” was taken up by squeamish lower-middles who found “napkin” a bit too close to “nappy,” English for “diaper.” Royal mothers get upset when their children learn to say “serviette” from well-meaning lower-class nannies.
- Posh
If you want to “talk posh,” you’ll have to stop using the term. Royals use the word “smart.” In royal and upper-class circles, “posh” can only be used ironically in a jokey tone to show that you know it’s a low-class word.
- Refreshments
These are served only at middle-class functions. Royal parties just have “food and drink.”
- Sweet
Royals refer to the sweet course at the end of a meal as “pudding.” Asking “Does anyone want a sweet?” at the end of a meal will get you immediately classified as middle-class or below. “Afters” will also activate the class radar and get you demoted.
- Lounge
Drawing room (from “withdrawing room”) is what royals use. “Sitting room” has also become acceptable. “Living room” is frowned upon, and only middle-cl(–foul word(s) removed–) and below say “lounge.”
- Function
Lower-class people go to a “do,” while middle-cl(–foul word(s) removed–) might call it a “function.” The royals just call it a “party.”
- Portions
Lower-middles and middle-middles eat their food in “portions.” Royals have “helpings.”
- Patio
Non-royal people’s homes have “patios,” while royal people’s houses have “terraces.”
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H/T: Diply
I live in Australia and even the most bogan Aussies use these words.