the King's/Queen's English

the King's English

The standard form of English, as spoken by educated people in England. (When the ruling monarch in the United Kingdom is a queen, it is typically called "the Queen's English.") We're friends now, so quit being so formal and speaking the King's English. As a professor, you really should speak the King's English.
See also: English

the Queen's English

The standard, "correct" form of English, as spoken by educated people in Britain. (When the ruling monarch in the United Kingdom is a king, it is typically called "the King's English.") We're friends now, so quit being so formal and speaking the Queen's English. As a professor, you really should speak the Queen's English.
See also: English
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

(The) Queen's English

"Official" British English. He can't even speak The Queen's English! Despicable!
See also: English
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

the ˌKing’s/ˌQueen’s ˈEnglish

(old-fashioned or humorous) (in Britain) correct standard English: I can’t understand a word you’re saying. Can’t you speak the Queen’s English?
See also: English
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
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