Alert the Ton - A Guide to Regency Era Vocabulary
Web Content Producer
Natalie is a Sydney-based content specialist who is a true creative at heart. She enjoys photography, fashion and reading classic literature.
Have you ever watched a period piece and wondered “What in the world are they saying?”
Perhaps you were swooning over Mr Darcy or Anthony Bridgerton and missed the entire dialogue?
Well, here’s a list of Regency words and phrases that will turn you into a regular Jane Austen or diamond Debutante.
If you’re attending a Regency themed party, be sure to incorporate these words when socialising with guests to really feel like you’re in the 1800s.
Shilly-shallying
Meaning: Indecisive.
Example: Stop shilly-shallying Desmond, choose a hat.
Make Haste
Meaning: Hurry.
Example: You must make haste!
Daft
Meaning: Foolish.
Example: Don’t be so daft, dear.
Muddle
Meaning: In a predicament.
Example: Poor Jane, she’s in quite the muddle.
Ton
Meaning: British high society.
Example: It’s the talk of the ton.
Yonder
Meaning: Over there.
Example: See that tree? Look yonder beyond the lake.
Folderol
Meaning: Nonsense.
Example: Stop with all this folderol.
Countenance
Meaning: Expression.
Example: Her countenance remained unchanged.
Foxed
Meaning: Drunk.
Example: That gentleman over there is quite foxed.
Vex
Meaning: Annoy.
Example: You vex me, Mr Bingley.
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Make haste, make haste, we have heaps more inspo for your Regency party at our Party Aunty blog. Be sure to check out the Regency playlist curated by the team here at CostumeBox. Onwards to the ballroom…
