Queen's english
/kwiːnz‿ˈɪŋ(ɡ)lɪʃ/ noun
noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Definitions
Noun
- 1 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. England, uncountable
"But I am not so timid, and can speak the Queen's English plainly."
- 2 Alternative letter-case form of Queen's English. alt-of, uncountable
- 3 the approved pronunciation of British English; originally based on the King's English as spoken at public schools and at Oxford and Cambridge Universities (and widely accepted elsewhere in Britain); until recently it was the pronunciation of English used in British broadcasting wordnet
Example
More examples"But I am not so timid, and can speak the Queen's English plainly."
Etymology
From Queen + -’s + English, possibly modelled after King’s English which is attested slightly earlier.