Plummy
Meaning: Having an upper-class accent
Describes the rich, rounded vowels of upper-class British speech, as if speaking with a plum in the mouth. Often implies affectation.
Examples
- He has a very plummy accent. 他的口音非常上流Tiene un acento muy pijo彼はとても上品なアクセントだ그는 아주 상류층 특유의 억양을 가지고 있어.
- Speaking in plummy tones. 用上流社会的腔调说话Hablando con tono pijo上品な口調で話す상류층 억양으로 말하다.
- Plummy voice, private school education. 上流的嗓音,私立学校的教育背景Voz pija, educación en colegio privado上品な声、私立学校の教育を受けた人상류층 억양에 사립학교 교육을 받은 사람.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: accent description, class discussion
Tone: descriptive, sometimes mocking
✓ Do Say
- Very plummy口音非常上流muy pijo el acentoとても上品な口調아주 상류층 억양의
- Plummy voice上流的嗓音voz pija上品な声상류층 목소리
✗ Don't Say
- Can seem mocking of accent可能被认为是在嘲笑别人的口音Puede parecer que te burlas del acentoアクセントを馬鹿にしていると受け取られることがある억양을 비꼬는 것처럼 들릴 수 있음
Common Mistakes
- Using without knowing the implication
Origin & History
From the phrase 'speaking with a plum in one's mouth,' describing the rounded vowels of Received Pronunciation and upper-class accents.
Etymology: From plum in mouth (affecting speech)
First recorded: 20th century
Cultural Context
Era: 20th century onwards
Generation: All generations
Social background: Describes upper-class accent
Pop culture: British upper-class stereotypes
Regional notes: British accent terminology.
Variations
Related Phrases
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