non-U

9.9

Not typical of upper class language or manners and often used by middle class people

adjective
/nɒn-juː/

Archaic

: no aristocrático

Using paper napkins instead of linen ones was considered distinctly non-U in that social circle.

Examples

Some still regard certain words as non-U and avoid them at formal gatherings.
Her non-U accent made her feel out of place at the gala.
Her preference for non-U expressions often surprised her upper-class friends.
He was criticized for his non-U way of speaking.
Her preference for non-U expressions often surprised her upper-class friends.
Some still regard certain words as non-U and avoid them at formal gatherings.
Using paper napkins instead of linen ones was considered distinctly non-U in that social circle.

Synonyms

nonaristocratic

vsnon-U

6.8

Not from the rich upper class

is linked to middle or lower social groups, especially in language and manners

non-elite

vsnon-U

4.2

Not belonging to the top or most powerful group

focuses specifically on middle or lower class traits, especially speech and manners

Antonyms

upper-class

11 4.3

Belonging to the richest and most powerful people in society

How Upper-class

posh

Informal

38 6.9

upper-class

11 4.3

non-U

Archaic

9.9

middle-class

201 3.2

working-class

56 3.4

Surface Forms

non-U positive

Morphology

non-U = U (semi-transparent) = non + U

Formally 'non' + 'U' means 'not U', but understanding requires cultural knowledge that 'U' denotes the upper class, which may be unfamiliar to many learners.

Etymology

Non-U comes from a mid-20th-century British idea that labelled some words and manners as U ('upper-class') and others as non-U ('not upper-class'). So non-U now describes speech or behavior that people see as middle or lower class rather than upper class.