The British Royal Family is always interesting to people. We might know how to dress like them, but if you want to act like them, you need to be careful with your words. According to social anthropologist Kate Fox in her book Watching the English: The Hidden Rules of English Behavior, here are 10 words you should not use if you want to fit in with the Royal Family or other upper-class people.
Tea
Many British people call their evening meal “tea.” It can be confusing because they drink a lot of tea, so you might not know if they mean the drink or the meal. Using “tea” for the last meal of the day is considered a working-class phrase. People from the upper class would instead call this meal “dinner” or “supper,” especially if it’s eaten between 5 and 7 p.m.
Toilet
The English and French aristocracy have had a rivalry for a long time. Because of this, the Royal Family avoids using words of French origin. Instead of “toilet,” they would say “lavatory” or “loo” when referring to that room.
Lounge
Most British people call the main room where families relax the “living room” or “lounge.” But the Royal Family uses a different term for it: the “drawing room.”
Refreshments
The Royal Family doesn’t use the word “refreshments.” They call light snacks “food and drink” instead.
Portion
Members of the Royal Family don’t say “portion” when talking about food amounts. Instead, they ask for a smaller or larger helping size.
Posh
The royals avoid talking about being posh, which is kind of funny because they’re one of the poshest families around. Instead of saying “posh,” the aristocracy and upper classes say “smart.”
Dessert
Most Brits and Americans call the sweet treats after a meal “dessert,” like cake, mousse, or pies. The British Royal Family prefers to call it “pudding,” even if it’s cake.
Pardon
Maybe because people used to ask them for a “royal pardon,” which meant asking for forgiveness for a serious crime, the royals don’t like hearing the word “pardon” when someone is apologizing. Instead of saying “pardon me” or “beg your pardon,” just saying “sorry” is enough.
Patio
Many British people call their paved outdoor area a patio, but the royals don’t use that word. They call it a terrace.
Function
Whether you’re headed to a work event or a social gathering, rest assured you won’t be going to a royal function in Britain. The royals, like many upper-class individuals, simply call these occasions a party.
