Some words are simply too coarse for the royal family to utter. Social anthropologist Kate Fox revealed which words are banned, and, more importantly, why, in her book, Watching the English.
1. Tea
Around the United Kingdom, tea is used to refer to the evening meal. This is considered a custom of the working class. The royals are to say dinner or supper instead.
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2. Portion
This is another working class term regarding served food. Upper class society says helping size instead.
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3. Pardon
Instead, royals say sorry. Pardon is considered too bawdy. No one in the royal family says pardon.
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4. Toilet
Only the French would say toilet near a royal. Royals coyly ask for the loo.
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5. Patio
Need some fresh air? Good luck asking about the patio. However, the royal family would be delighted to show you to one of their bazillion terraces.
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6. Lounge
You do mean the drawing room or sitting room, right?
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7. Couch
Nope, it’s a sofa for royals.
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8. Perfume
Gauche. Instead, ask a duchess about her scent. Is this a thing with the French, again?
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9. Posh
The royals are not Spice Girls and neither they, nor anyone they know, use that word. You are permitted, however, to say smart. As in, “My, how smart you look in all that Prada.”
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10. Function
Functions are for the middle class to attend. The upper classes go to parties.
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11. Refreshments
At their parties, upper class society will partake in some food and drink. Thank you, that would be lovely.
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12. Dessert
Anything that is sweet is never called a dessert, or a sweet for that matter. That’s too boorish. But they will have a pudding, which is a word that covers all sweet desserts.
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13. Mom and Dad
It’s mummy and daddy, even as adults. Cute!
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Speaking like a royal would take some practice. Next lesson: holding your pinky up. Cheers!
