U and Non-U

(We can even take it back a step, and remind you that the phrase was coined by linguist Alan A.C. Ross in 1954, and popularised by Nancy Mitford in an essay called "The English Aristocracy". Of course, one could say that if you need to refer to the list, there's no way you're U, sort of like the idea that if you have to ask the price, you can't afford it. What a relief it is to have an American accent and be judged on an entirely different set of criteria.)

U / Non-U

Bike or Bicycle / Cycle

Dinner Jacket / Dress Suit

Knave / Jack (cards)

Vegetables / Greens

Ice / Ice Cream

Scent / Perfume

They've a very nice house / They have (got) a lovely home.

Ill (in bed) / Sick (in bed)

I was sick on the boat / I was ill on the boat.

Looking-glass / Mirror

Chimneypiece / Mantelpiece

Graveyard / Cemetery

Spectacles / Glasses

False Teeth / Dentures

Die / Pass on

Mad / Mental

Jam / Preserve

Napkin / Serviette

Sofa / Settee or Couch

Lavatory or Loo / Toilet

Rich / Wealthy

What? / Pardon?

Good health / Cheers

Lunch / Dinner (for midday meal)

Pudding / Sweet

Drawing-room / Lounge

Writing-paper / Note-paper

How d'you do? / Pleased to meet you

(School)master, mistress / Teacher