Prince William and Kate Middleton
Wiliam, Duke of Cambridge, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, meet with Irish Guards after attending the St Patrick's Day parade at Cavalry Barracks in Hounslow. Gareth Fuller - WPA Pool/Getty Images

The rules to formality and their strict adherence to protocols and traditions are perhaps what established the British royal family apart from ordinary people and into a more elevated status. From appropriate dress codes to no public displays of affection in public engagements, there are more royal rules to follow than one expects. The royal family is expected to follow all royal rules, including words they must not say.

For those who want to sound like a true-blooded royal, these are the ordinary words to avoid. And know the reasons why.

1. Mom And Dad

It is common to use the words “mom” and “dad” to refer to one’s parents in the United Kingdom, so this might be the sole reason the royal family banned these words from their vocabulary. Instead, the royal family uses “mommy” and “daddy.” Prince Charles used the word “mommy” to call Her Majesty during her Diamond Jubilee celebration.

2. Posh

The royal family does not use the word posh but uses the word smart instead. Posh is a slang word for money or cash of small value. Since the royal family applies formality in all aspects of their lives, posh would be too informal for their taste.

3. Couch

The word couch is forbidden in the royal family. Instead of couch, sofa is more acceptable as it has more of a British origin. A settee will do too.

4. Pardon

The royal family belongs to the ranks of nobility and so has to sound as one too. The word pardon or sorry may sound too kind and humble for someone who is in command. Instead, the royal family can straight up say “what” if they do not understand something instead of “I beg your pardon.”

5. Perfume

The correct term would be scent. The word perfume is considered improper due to its French origins.

6. Tea

As much as the royals love their tea, they never call it tea. Instead, they call it dinner or supper. Tea is referred to as dinner by the working class in the United Kingdom.

7. Toilet

Due to the French origin of the word toilet, the royal family uses the word loo or lavatory in its stead. Toilette is the French term for cloth wrapper, which is used to wrap clothes in the 16th century. Later on, the meaning of toilette evolved to dressing room with washing facilities.

8. Lounge Or Living Room

Again, lounge or living room is more of an American usage. In strict compliance with formality, the royal family used sitting rooms or drawing rooms.

9. Dessert

An ordinary person would eat a “dessert” after a meal. But for the royal family, it’s called pudding. The word dessert originated from the French word dressevir, which means to clear the table.

10. Refreshment

An appropriate royal term is food and drink. Refreshment originated from the French term refreschement, a 14th-century term or the “act of refreshing” physically or spiritually.

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