Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word
King's English. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
King's English, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
King's English in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
King's English you have here. The definition of the word
King's English will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
King's English, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Alternative forms
Noun
King's English (uncountable)
- (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.
c. 1597 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Merry Wiues of Windsor”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies (First Folio), London: Isaac Iaggard, and Ed Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, , page 42, column 1: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 will be an old abuſing of Gods patience, and the Kings Engliſh.
1823, James Fenimore Cooper, chapter 13, in The Pioneers:"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?"
1921, Edgar Rice Burroughs, chapter 14, in The Efficiency Expert: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.
2006 November 5, James Gleick, “Cyber-Neologoliferation”, in New York Times, retrieved 15 Aug. 2010:The O.E.D. is unlike any other dictionary. . . . It wants every word, all the lingo: idioms and euphemisms, sacred or profane, dead or alive, the King’s English or the street’s.
Usage notes
See also