King's English

name
/kɪŋz‿ˈɪŋ(ɡ)lɪʃ/US

Etymology

From King + -’s + English, possibly modelled after king's coin. See the quotation from 1553.

  1. derived from *h₂enǵʰ-
  2. inherited from Englisċ
  3. inherited from Englisch
  4. compounded as king's english — “King + -'s + English

Definitions

  1. Often preceded by the

    Often preceded by the: spoken or written English regarded as used and safeguarded by the King 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.

    • What, Iohn Rugby, I pray thee goe to the Caſement, and ſee if you can ſee my Maſter, Maſter Docter Caius comming: if he doe (I'faith) and finde any body in the houſe; here vvill be an old abuſing of Gods patience, and the Kings Engliſh.
    • "Spake it out, man," exclaimed the landlady; "spake it out in king's English; what for should ye be talking Indian in a room full of christian folks[…]?["]
  2. Alternative letter-case form of King's English.

    • "Spake it out, man," exclaimed the landlady; "spake it out in king's English; what for should ye be talking Indian in a room full of christian folks[…]?["]
    • I venture to say that in a fifteen-minute conversation he would commit more horrible crimes against the king's English than even that new stable-boy of yours.

The neighborhood

Vish — recursive loop

No curated loop yet for King's English. Loops are being traced one word at a time while the ingestion pipeline matures.

sense glosses and etymology drawn from English Wiktionary · source · CC-BY-SA