Let’s take a peek: what do all those Regency words mean?
Dearest, gentlest readers. Have you recently indulged in all the romance, fashion, scandals and glamor that Bridgerton has to offer? Then you have undoubtedly noticed that everyone, from Queen Charlotte to the youngest Bridgertons, has a somewhat special way of talking. Regency English is truly a profession in itself, so we will give you a crash course!
Language use in Bridgerton
Certain English words from the Regency era are used in Bridgerton. Of course it sounds like dreaming, but what do they actually mean? This is sometimes a mystery to both British and Dutch people. Reason enough for language platform Preply to dive into this language. From talking about the ‘viscount’ to the infamous ‘rake’, this Bridgerton dictionary will help you take your English to the next level and speak like the Bridgertons.
“If you want to take your English to a more refined, almost elite level, it could be fun to incorporate a few of these words into your vocabulary,” say the language experts. “However, if you want non-Bridgerton fans to understand what you’re talking about, we recommend that you don’t use all of these words in a few sentences. Chances are no one knows what you’re talking about. So it is important to add context.”
Viscount – viscount
A ‘Viscount’ or in Dutch ‘a viscount’ is the fourth highest rank of the peerage systems and originally comes from the French for ‘deputy count’. The Viscount and Viscountess are above all barons and baronesses, yet subordinate to a Duke or Duchess.
The Season – the season
‘The Season’ is not just autumn or spring, but is an annual period when the country’s elite and most prestigious families gather from their estates in London for gala, dinners and major events. Furthermore, the families traditionally launch all their children of ‘marriageable age’ into society, where they can mingle with others of similar origins and backgrounds to find a suitable husband or wife.
Rake – rake
Lady Whistledown previously referred to Viscount Anthony Bridgerton as a ‘rake’ (no, not the garden tool). In the Regency era, a ‘rake’ would be a man of some scandalous reputation and not particularly monogamous. Think of what today’s youth calls a ‘f*ck boy’, but à la 1813.
Proper – appropriate
In previous seasons, we learned what was considered “proper” or socially acceptable during this time period, as opposed to something that could be considered inappropriate or scandalous.
The Ton – the barrel
‘The Ton’ refers to the upper layers of society in Regency England, i.e. the aristocracy, the nobility, and the royal family. The full saying ‘le bon ton’ refers to etiquette, such as good manners or gentility, ideal characteristics of British high society.
Genteel – posh
In season two, many of the characters, especially Anthony, were determined to prove how “genteel” they were, but what does it actually mean? The word can have different meanings, but in the Regency era it describes someone who is polite, refined, or respectable, but not in a specifically upright way.
Dowry – dowry
Much of season two focused on the dowry to be paid, and how the lack of it even delayed Philippa Featherington’s marriage to Mr. Finch. A dowry is an amount of money that would have been paid by the bride’s family to the groom at the time of marriage. The dowry would usually be according to the groom’s social status to prevent lower-class women from marrying into upper-class families.
Promenade – promenade
The verb ‘promenade’ means to walk in public, but the activity was much more important than just a stroll in the park. In the nineteenth century, Instagram did not officially exist, so people had to show that they were in a relationship in other ways. Promenading together with a handsome duke ensured that everyone could see that you were a set and therefore part of high society.
Governess – governess
A ‘governess’ is a woman who worked in a household to teach the daughters of the house various skills, such as reading or drawing.
Sponsorship – sponsorship
Lady Danbury knows everyone in Regency Mayfair and can make the right introductions between the young adults to encourage a suitable match. She also sponsored the Sharmas. Lady Danbury welcomed them into her home and invited them to many social events that they would otherwise not have been able to attend as newcomers to London.
Source: Preply, Grazia | Image: Liam Daniel/Netflix © 2024
