Did you know? The British royal family can't use these words

Labels and protocols
A social anthropologist explains
Mum and dad
Pardon?
Posh
Perfume
Tea
Toilet
Origin of the ban
Dessert
Lounge
Patio
Portion
Settee
Refreshments
Events
Labels and protocols

British royal life is full of etiquette and protocols, including the way members of the royal family speak. Some words and expressions are completely forbidden for them.

A social anthropologist explains

In an interview with The Mirror, anthropologist Kate Fox mentions some of these words. She listed them while researching her book 'Watching the English: The Hidden Rules of English Behaviour'.

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Mum and dad

Within royalty, when a child addresses their parents, they shouldn't call them 'mum' and 'dad'. For them, the correct word is 'mama' and 'papa'.

Pardon?

In British English, one of the ways to ask someone to explain themselves better or repeat what they've said is to say "pardon?". However, the term is forbidden among royalty, and it's best to use 'sorry?' instead.

Posh

Another word that shouldn't be used by the royal family is 'posh'. According to the anthropologist, the royals use the word 'smart' to refer to something elegant and sophisticated. 'Posh' is only used by royalty in situations where there is a certain ironic tone.

Perfume

The word 'perfume' is also strictly forbidden. Instead, royalty must say 'scent'.

 

Tea

In England, it is common to invite someone for a light meal or afternoon tea, using only the term 'tea'. This custom does not apply to royalty, who, according to Kate Fox in her book, refer to the occasion as 'dinner' or 'supper'.

Toilet

The word 'toilet' is never used in the palace. Instead, they use 'lavatory' or 'loo', which refer to the same room in the house.

 

Origin of the ban

According to the anthropologist, the root of the ban on the word 'toilet' is historical, being avoided because of its French origins.

Dessert

When finishing their meals, King Charles III and his relatives will never ask for a 'dessert'. The word chosen for the occasion will probably be 'pudding', even if it refers to a cake or ice-cream, for example.

Lounge

Another forbidden word is 'lounge', although there are several in the palace. A resting place for the royal family is the 'sitting room'. The expression 'living room' is also forbidden.

Patio

At Buckingham Palace, its residents don't describe their outdoor areas as 'patios', but rather 'terraces'.

Portion

Royalty doesn't use the word 'portion' to refer to a specific amount of food, but rather 'helping'.

Settee

According to Readers Digest, it is forbidden for royalty to use the words 'settee' or 'couch' to designate where they sit. The ideal is 'sofa'.

Refreshments

Among commoners, the word 'refreshments' is often used to refer to the snacks served at an event, but when it comes to the British royal family it doesn't sound right. They use 'food and drink' instead.

Events

When it comes to social gatherings, English people often use the word 'do' or 'function'. Members of the royal family, on the other hand, simply say 'party'

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