English

Alternative forms

• queen's English

Noun

Queen's English ‎(uncountable)

1. (often preceded by the) Especially in England, spoken or written English which is standard, characterised by grammatical correctness, proper usage of words and expressions, and (when spoken) formal British pronunciation.
   • 1882, Robert Louis Stevenson, "The Story of the Young Man with the Cream Tarts" in New Arabian Nights:

     But I am not so timid, and can speak the Queen's English plainly.

   • 1913, E. Phillips Oppenheim, The Double Life Of Mr. Alfred Burton, ch. 22:

     He murdered the Queen's English every time he spoke.

   • 2006, Jeanette Catsoulis, "Movie Review: On a Clear Day (2005)," New York Times, 7 April. (retrieved 15 Aug. 2010):

     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.

Usage notes

• King's English is used when the reigning monarch is male. When the monarch is female, Queen's English is commonly used instead.

See also

• King's English