Based on the popular books by Julia Quinn and created by Chris Van Duse, Bridgerton is a historical romance television series which revolves around the Bridgerton family. Set in Regency-era England during the 1800s, the show follows eight siblings on their search for love in London’s high society. The show is narrated by Lady Whistledown, who keeps everyone updated on the latest gossip through her society newsletter. Despite not being based on true events, it does weave in some real historical elements and is based on what was considered the societal norm during this period of history.
With the third season about to hit television screens across the globe, here are ten of the Regency-inspired words and phrases you may hear if you give it a watch.
1. The ton noun
The fashionable elite or high society of the time.
“Gossip about the latest scandals and romances spread quickly throughout the ton, keeping everyone entertained.”
2. Promenade verb
A leisurely walk, usually taken in a public place to meet or be seen by others.
“Every Sunday afternoon, the townspeople would promenade along the waterfront, greeting friends and enjoying the fresh air.”
Check pronunciation on the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionaries website.
3. Debutante noun
(Also informal deb) (especially in the past) A young, rich or upper-class woman who is going to fashionable social events for the first time.
Check pronunciation on the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionaries website.
“The Goldsmiths’ eldest daughter was the highlight of the season as the most anticipated debutante at the grand ball.”
4. The social season noun
The time during which high members of society hold a series of social events, such as balls and parties.
“During the social season, families from all over the country would come to London to attend glamorous events.”
This is a combination of two commonly used words in today’s language:
social adjective: [only before noun] Connected with your position in society.
season noun: A period of time during a year when a particular activity happens or is done.
Check pronunciation for social and season on the Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries website.
5. Betrothal noun
(Formal or old-fashioned) betrothal (to somebody) An agreement to marry somebody.
Check pronunciation on the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionaries website.
“Their betrothal was announced in the local paper, sparking excitement among both families.”
6. Modiste noun
A fashionable dressmaker or hat maker.
“She visited the modiste to have a custom gown made for the upcoming ball.”
7. Viscount noun
(In the UK) A nobleman of a rank below an earl and above a baron.
Check pronunciation on the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionaries website.
“The Viscount’s estate was known for its beautiful gardens and elaborate summer parties.”
8. Court verb
[Transitive, intransitive] court (somebody) (old-fashioned) To have a romantic relationship with somebody that you hope to marry.
Check pronunciation on the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionaries website.
“They spent many months courting, attending various social events together before he finally proposed.”
9. Swoon verb
[Intransitive] swoon (over somebody) To feel very excited, emotional, etc. about somebody that you think is sexually attractive.[Intransitive] (old-fashioned) To become unconscious.
Check pronunciation on the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionaries website.
“She would swoon at the mention of his name, completely captivated by his charm.”
10. Coming out verb
The event where a young woman is formally introduced to society, marking her eligibility for marriage.
“Her coming out was celebrated with a grand ball, where she met many potential suitors.”
Understanding these words is a fun way to improve your English. You’ll understand the show better and impress your friends with your new vocabulary while watching it.
Let us know if you watch the third season of Bridgerton in the comments below! Are there any other words and phrases you spot that you don’t know the meaning of?
You can also read our other blog post on old English words and their modern translations.
Katie Ballard is the Community Manager for the English Language Teaching Division at Oxford University Press. Having graduated in English, she holds a TEFL qualification and spent time teaching English at a university in China for the Birmingham Institute of Fashion and Creative Art. She’s passionate about inspiring students to be excited to learn by intergrating elements of popular culture, real-world stories and events, and trending topics into lessons.
I really love the show and I find the phrases used there very elegant. Thank you for that post! Best wishes from Poland 🙂
Wow! Really significant!