Bridgerton's slang, from ton to coming out the words to know - Lifestyle

TV series

uses language that is difficult to understand nowadays, even for native speakers.

In the series, set in the London of the Regency era (early 1800s), you can in fact hear different expressions typical of those times, from the famous "ton" to "coming out", the latter used with a very different meaning from today's one.

On the occasion of the release of the second season from 25 March on Netflix, the Babbel language experts have therefore created a glossary to delve into the historical expressions used in Bridgerton and understand how these have changed over time.

“The use of typical expressions of the time is part of the construction of the character, even if the language is not always perfectly accurate from a historical point of view.

If it were, in fact, it would be incredibly difficult for the public to understand ”- says Gianluca Pedrotti, expert in intercultural communication and editor of the Babbel language team.

"Watching Bridgerton or similar series in the original language is not only a great way to improve your English, but it can be an invitation to delve into the language used in the past and see its transformation over time."

ANSA.it

In Madrid a fashion show with the original Bridgerton - Lifestyle costumes

(HANDLE)

 Ton "The ton"

, which is the most recurring expression in the series, refers to

during the Regency era (in English Regency era) and includes every aristocrat, from royalty to nobility, including the Bridgerton family.

It derives from the French "le bon ton", which means "good manners", a virtue much appreciated in the upper echelons of society at the time.

In London society of the late eighteenth century, "the season" was the time of year between January and summer dedicated to parties and dances, where bachelors and young women of the aristocracy had the opportunity to meet, always under the watchful eyes of their companions.

The idea of ​​"coming out" in the 19th century was completely different from today's meaning of the term.

In fact, at the time it

in high society of the young women of the "Ton".

This usually happened at the beginning of the season and the goal was to find a husband for the rookies.

/ Bridgerton 2, the intrigues and loves of the event series are back

Promenade

Nowadays the term "promenade" is used primarily as a noun in English and refers to a promenade along the seafront.

In the Georgian age and therefore in the series, Lady Whistledown and the other characters use instead "promenade" as a verb with the meaning of "take a walk" with the specific aim of showing themselves in public, ideally with a suitor at their side.

Also in this case, "promenade" derives from the French "se promener", still used today with the same meaning, or "stroll".

Diamond of the first water

"Diamond of the first water", an epithet with which Queen Charlotte defines Daphne Bridgerton in her debut and translatable into "a diamond of the first water", meant being an absolutely flawless rookie.

It was therefore a very desirable commendation for any young woman of the Georgian era.

This term comes from the French "mode" (fashion) and designates a very fashionable seamstress, able to advise on upcoming trends and the finest fabrics.

"Rake", a term that dates back to the 17th century, was used to describe a hedonistic bachelor of high society who was addicted to behaviors deemed immoral such as drinking to excess, gambling and a passion for women .

of Jane Austen's works will surely be familiar with the term "swoon".

While nowadays the term describes feelings of joy and pleasure, the Italian equivalent of "being in ecstasy", in the 18th and 19th centuries it was used as a literary device with the meaning of "fainting" and was typically relegated to female sphere.

To cause the fainting were just too strong emotions, hence the current meaning of the term.

“Facer”, from “face” or face, is an elegant way to describe a punch in the face.

Literally "ladybird", in Georgian times it referred to a mistress.