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Bridgerton has been teasing fans about its third season for a while and, much to their delight, it launched in the UK this morning.
It will focus on Nicola Coughlan’s character, Penelope Featherington, and her romance with Colin Bridgerton, played by Luke Newton.
The show, which is set in London, is known for the colorful and extravagant Regency attire worn by the characters, although some have complained that it is not always historically accurate.
But with the popular Netflix series on everyone’s lips right now, some may be left scratching their heads over what some of the regency phrases used in the show really mean.
Preply, a website where you hire online tutors, has revealed what these old slang phrases really mean, so you can sit back and watch the series with ease.
‘The ton’ refers to British high society. Above: Queen Charlotte in the show, played by Golda Rosheuvel and Hugh Sachs as Brimsley, her assistant.
Rake
While those living in the 21st century may think of gardening tools, in the Bridgerton era of the early 19th century, it means someone who displays no morals or values.
A similar synonym in modern language would be “player.”
The word comes from ‘rakehell’, an alteration of the Middle English word rakel, meaning ‘reckless’ and ‘hasty’.
Walk
People can enjoy a good walk in the park now as, in Regency times, it was called a “promenade”.
The textbook definition of “parade” is “to conduct or display oneself as if in a parade.”
Many know the name ‘prom’, which is usually an event where students dress up to go to a dance and celebrate their achievements. This originated in “ride”.
skied
At the beginning of the 19th century, the interiors of the houses were grand. Instead of four magnolia-colored walls, people wanted their homes to be colorful.
The word “skied” described walls covered in paintings from floor to ceiling, making taller paintings harder to see.
In Benedict Bridgerton’s first meeting with Sir Henry Granville, we see the brother insult the artist’s work, arguing that it should have been “skied.”
A dressmaker refers to a dressmaker who not only makes clothes but also advises women on what is fashionable and appropriate for various events. Above: Madame Delacroix played by Kathryn Drysdale
Bridgerton season 3 will focus on Nicola Coughlan’s character Penelope Featherington and her romance with Colin Bridgerton, played by Luke Newton (both pictured).
Trousseau
It has French origins and is a rather ambiguous word.
On the one hand, a ‘Trousseau’ is perceived as a fancy word for underwear, while on the other, it is seen as a set of clothing appropriate for a bride.
Being ‘ruined’
Longtime Bridgerton fans may have heard this phrase used in previous seasons of the show and wondered what it meant.
Being “ruined” is when a young woman is caught kissing or getting too close to a man in public before getting married.
When Simon and Daphne kiss in the first season, she tells him that if he doesn’t marry her, she will be “ruined” since someone who was caught witnessed their kiss.
Coming out
This phrase has changed meaning over the years. In the 19th century, “coming out” referred to when a woman made her grand debut into society, usually at a special ball or party.
“Coming out” would mean to everyone that she was ready for courtship or marriage.
When Simon and Daphne kiss in season one (pictured), she tells him that if he doesn’t marry her, she’ll be “ruined.”
The show is known for the colorful and extravagant regency attire worn by the characters, although some have complained that it is not always historically accurate.
Face
This Regency word simply means the look or expression on someone’s face.
In historical terms, the countenance has references to someone who remains calm in the era of polite society.
Dressmaker
Period drama fans will have heard this word many times throughout the series, as the characters attend many lavish balls and parties.
A dressmaker refers to a dressmaker who not only makes clothes but also advises women on what is fashionable and appropriate for various events.
Those who wanted to make a successful entrance into high society would not set foot at a ball without first visiting Madame Delacroix.
The social season
In Bridgerton, the social season refers to summer in London.
The season typically began at the end of March, when temperatures were warmest, and the big festivals usually took place from mid-April to the end of June.
During this period, it is customary for groups of the social elite to organize dances, dinners and charity events.
the ton
‘The ton’ simply refers to British high society.
You may have heard characters on the show refer to this phrase as a reference to “city,” but historically speaking, the term means “high society.”
The word itself comes from the French phrase “le bon ton,” which means “etiquette” or “good manners.”
In Benedict Bridgerton’s first meeting with Sir Henry Granville, we see the brother insult the artist’s work, arguing that it should have been “skied,” an insult meaning it should be hung where no one can see it.
Pictured: Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington, Luke Newton as Colin Bridgerton in season 3 of the show.
High on the instep
In Bridgerton, naturally, there is a lot of drama and arguments between characters.
‘High in the air’ refers to someone who is very arrogant by nature.
With the show set in the Regency era, you may have heard this phrase many times throughout the series.
courses
The term “courses” actually referred to menstruation.
At that time, the presence or absence of a period was the only way to determine whether a person could get pregnant or have children.
