queen's english
/kwinz‿ˈɪŋ(ɡ)lɪʃ/
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: Zipf frequency 3.75 in modern English
26
Scrabble Score
13
Letters
2
Syllables
9
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
Often preceded by the: spoken or written English regarded as used and safeguarded by the Queen of England; standard English characterized by correct grammar and what is thought of as proper usage of words and expressions, and (when spoken) formal British pronunciation.
Uncountable
Example Sentences
- "But I am not so timid, and can speak the Queen's English plainly."
- "Picking up the different points of land was often the source of a joke, for our master was not blessed with the most perfect command of the Queen's English, and I overheard one morning the following nautical dialogue: "Look out, ahoy!" - speaking to the man in the foretop."
- "He murdered the Queen's English every time he spoke."
- "In the movies, bankable Brits fall into one of two categories: those who live in stately homes and possess a firm grasp of the Queen's English, and those who live in cottages or tenements and possess accents thick enough to caulk boats."
- "They've obviously never met before, but are getting on like a house on fire. Both are well-spoken and versed in the Queen's English. [this was possibly written before Queen Elizabeth II died]"
Etymology
Regional Pronunciation
- American English: /kwinz‿ˈɪŋ(ɡ)lɪʃ/
- British English: /kwiːnz‿ˈɪŋ(ɡ)lɪʃ/