Queen's English

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Definition

Proper noun * The Queen's English: The standard form of British English pronunciation and usage, traditionally associated with educated speakers in southern England, particularly around London. It is considered a prestigious and socially neutral accent, often used in formal broadcasting and education. (Note: The term is historical and may be updated to "King's English" depending on the reigning monarch).

Usage
  • The term is used to describe a specific, prestigious variety of English. It is almost always used with the definite article "the" and is often capitalized: the Queen's English.
  • It refers primarily to accent (Received Pronunciation) but can also encompass standard grammar and vocabulary.
  • Its use can sometimes carry connotations of social class, education, and formality.
Examples
  • "The news presenter was admired for her clear diction and command of the Queen's English."
  • "Some traditionalists worry that text messaging is corrupting the Queen's English."
  • "He didn't speak with a regional dialect; his accent was pure Queen's English."
Advanced Usage
  • The term can be used humorously or ironically to point out overly formal or pedantic speech.
    • "Oh, do pardon me," he said in an exaggerated tone, "I must remember to speak the Queen's English."
  • It can be used in a prescriptive context to criticize non-standard usage.
    • "My old teacher would correct us constantly, insisting we use the Queen's English."
Variants and Related Words
  • King's English: The equivalent term used when the British monarch is a king.
  • Received Pronunciation (RP): The more technical, modern term for the accent historically referred to as the Queen's/King's English.
  • BBC English: A closely related term describing the accent traditionally used by BBC newsreaders.
  • Standard Southern British English (SSBE): A contemporary linguistic term for the modern standard accent in England.
Synonyms
  • Received Pronunciation
  • Standard British English (in the context of accent)
  • BBC English (historical)
Notes on Meaning
  • The term is socio-linguistic and cultural, not strictly a legal or official standard.
  • Perceptions and usage of the term have evolved, and it is less commonly used in modern linguistics, which prefers descriptive terms like "Received Pronunciation" or "Standard Southern British English."
  • It specifically refers to the English of England, not other global varieties of English (e.g., American English, Australian English).
Noun
  1. English as spoken by educated persons in southern England

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