How do you use "Non-U" in a sentence?

Saying 'toilet' is non-U. Non-U to call it a serviette. Very non-U behaviour.

Non-U

Q: What does "Non-U" mean?

Not upper class (in speech or manners) Term coined by linguist Alan Ross for words, phrases, or behaviours that mark someone as not upper class. Contrast with 'U' (upper class).

Slang Term British ★★☆☆☆ Uncommon Neutral

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Meaning: Not upper class (in speech or manners)

不符合上层阶级（在言语或礼仪方面）

No propio de la clase alta (en el habla o los modales)

上流階級的でない（言葉遣いや作法において）

상류층답지 않은 (말투나 예절에서)

Term coined by linguist Alan Ross for words, phrases, or behaviours that mark someone as not upper class. Contrast with 'U' (upper class).

语言学家艾伦·罗斯创造的术语，指标志着某人不属于上层阶级的词汇、短语或行为。与'U'（上层阶级）形成对比。

Término acuñado por el lingüista Alan Ross para palabras, expresiones o comportamientos que delatan que alguien no es de clase alta. Contrasta con 'U' (upper class).

言語学者アラン・ロスが作った用語で、上流階級に属していないことを示す言葉、表現、または行動を指す。「U」（上流階級）と対比される。

언어학자 앨런 로스가 만든 용어로, 상류층이 아님을 드러내는 단어, 표현, 행동을 가리킨다. 'U'(상류층)와 대비되는 표현이다.

Examples

Saying 'toilet' is non-U.
说'toilet'不是上等人的用法
decir 'toilet' no es propio de la clase alta
「トイレ」と言うのは上流階級的でない
toilet'이라고 말하는 것은 상류층답지 않다.
Non-U to call it a serviette.
管它叫serviette不是上等人的说法
llamarlo serviette no es propio de la clase alta
ナプキンをserviette と呼ぶのは上流でない
냅킨을 'serviette'이라고 부르는 것은 상류층답지 않다.
Very non-U behaviour.
非常不上流的行为
un comportamiento nada distinguido
まったく上流でない振る舞い
매우 상류층답지 않은 행동.

Pronunciation

Usage Guide

Context: class analysis, humour

Tone: analytical, sometimes humorous

✓ Do Say

That's rather non-U
那相当不上流
eso es bastante ordinario
それはかなり上流でない
꽤 상류층답지 않은

✗ Don't Say

Can seem obsessively class-conscious
可能显得过于执着于阶级意识
Puede parecer obsesivamente clasista
階級意識に執着しているように見えることがある
지나치게 계급에 집착하는 것처럼 보일 수 있음

Common Mistakes

Using without knowing the reference

Origin & History

Coined by linguist Alan Ross in 1954, popularized by Nancy Mitford. Used to distinguish upper-class ('U') language from middle-class ('non-U') usage.

Etymology: Non + U (upper class)

First recorded: 1954

Cultural Context

Era: 1954 onwards

Generation: Older and educated

Social background: Class distinction marker

Pop culture: Nancy Mitford's Noblesse Oblige

Regional notes: British class terminology.

Variations

Non-UNon U