The Royal Family have a very different vocabulary according to social anthropologist Kate Fox, who has shared which words royals never use
Jane Lavender and Zahra Mulroy
07:00, 27 Mar 2026
Kate and William and key members of the royal family(Image: Samir Hussein/Pool Photo via AP/2025 Getty Images)
Nobody could dispute that the royals lead lives distinctly different from “ordinary” folk.
Their homes include palaces and extensive country estates. Ours don’t. Their wealth is extraordinary. We exist in constant anxiety about insufficient funds.
The countless distinctions extend well beyond mere possessions and finances.
Naturally, the Royal family employ a markedly different manner of speech.
Kate Fox, a social anthropologist and author of Watching the English, has provided us with a captivating glimpse into the language favoured by the Royals.
In particular, certain terms are strictly avoided by the royals – and here they are.
1. Pardon
We’d always believed ‘pardon’ was the more courteous option than the alternatives.
However, not being of royal blood, we were mistaken.
The term ‘pardon’, according to Mamamia, is strictly prohibited.
Rather, if you’ve failed to catch what the Duke of Edinburgh has just mentioned to you, the appropriate response is ‘sorry?’ or perhaps ‘sorry, what?’
Alternatively, simply acknowledge with a nod and smile, feigning comprehension. It might prove the wisest approach.
2. Toilet
While the term ‘toilet’ might seem more refined than ‘bog’ or ‘loo’, it’s actually the last of these which members of the House of Windsor use when nature calls.
Due to its French origins, ‘toilet’ is apparently shunned.
Therefore, should you find yourself navigating the expansive hallways of Buckingham Palace, urgently requiring facilities, enquire with the nearest footman about the location of the LOO.
You’ll never hear the Prince and Princess of Wales say these words(Image: PA)
3. Perfume
Praising someone’s fragrance can be rather delicate. There’s a narrow margin between appearing pleasant and sounding distinctly unsettling.
Regrettably, the Royal Family’s chosen terminology for perfume won’t be of help.
Members of the Royal Family don’t wear perfume. They wear scent.
Unfortunately, “I like your scent” will invariably sound unsettling. That’s just how it is.
4. Tea
According to Kate Fox, one guaranteed method of revealing yourself as decidedly non-aristocratic is to call your evening meal ‘tea’.
Should you wish to persuade Her Majesty of your noble lineage, extend an invitation for ‘dinner’ or ‘supper’.
She’s unlikely to accept, but at least she’ll understand which meal you’re referring to.
5. Lounge
The royal residences contain numerous rooms, yet not a single one is called a lounge, nor a living room.
This isn’t because members of the Royal Family lack a space to watch Hollyoaks or enjoy Cards Against Humanity.
Rather, it’s because they withdraw to either a ‘drawing room’ or ‘sitting room’.
Furthermore, there are no couches in their sitting rooms – only sofas, darling (or thrones).
6. Posh
The cardinal rule of being posh? You never describe someone – or yourself – as being posh.
According to Kate, you’re ‘smart’.
7. Dessert
When you receive the royal invitation to attend supper, don’t anticipate dessert.
Instead, indulge your sweet cravings with ‘pudding’, which is the royal terminology.