Category Archives: Miss Darcy’s Dictionary

Weekly Words from Miss Darcy’s Dictionary

Miss Darcy was reminded of several other unique Regency words by a fellow Regency Author, Ella Quinn.  It’s great fun to define some of these antiquated words.

When regaling you concerning the rumors surrounding the proxy marriage of Lord Wilton in The American Bride, Miss Darcy used some of these words in context. She’ll add them to the dictionary too.

Karla Darcy, Downton Abbey, Regency Romance, Jane Austen, Pride & Prejuice, Five KissesSo here are several words that you might not know but will help in understanding the Regency world.

Fuddled or in one’s altitudes – additional ways of indicating someone is drunk.

Shot the cat – Such a delicate way of saying emptying one’s stomach or vomiting.

Puffed up on his own conceit– Someone who is very proud of himself and thinks they are extremely important.

Plant a facer – A punch in the face.

Up to every rig and row in town – Someone who is rather cutting edge.

Some of the Daughters of Sweet’s Racing Club have also indicated that they would like to add some words to the growing list. And if you think of one, mention it in the comments below this post. Or if you’ve found a word and can’t figure out the meaning, let me know and I’ll see what I can find. What an adventure for all of us!

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Weekly Words from Miss Darcy’s Dictionary

Miss Darcy has been apprised by the DSRC that some of the readers of her correspondence are not totally up to snuff on the Regency language. She understands that time is a precious commodity so she thought it might be fun to define some of these antiquated words.

Some of the members of Sweet’s Racing Club have been known to use cant (Regency slang) when in a private room among friends. Never in front of the ladies.  But it would be an adventure for all of us to be reminded of even these meanings.

When regaling you concerning the rumors surrounding the proxy marriage of Lord Wilton, she may have used several unfamiliar words. It’s very similar to when Miss Darcy arrived in America, she felt as if she had to learn a new language.

Miss Darcy’s Dictionary

So here are several words that you might not know but will help in understanding the Regency world.

To disguise is to pretend to be something one is not. An impersonation. To create a different appearance in order to conceal one’s identity.

In Regency times to be disguised is to be drunk. To be foxed or castaway is similar.

Misalliance is a marriage of two people unsuited to each other either on a social, financial or national level.

Addlepated means to be mixed up or confused. Although it seems a modern word, it was first used in 1630.

Missish means prim or prudish. Acting like an innocent maiden. Ah! Miss Darcy remembers those days.

Fustian is high-flown or affected writing or speech; broadly :anything high-flown or affected in style. Used occasionally as an exclamation.

Miss Darcy loves to hear from you! Although her correspondence is extensive she always has time for faithful readers. She answers all inquiries as etiquette requires! Three fastest ways to reach her? Leave comments below this post. Miss Darcy loves these.

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Your faithful correspondent,

Miss Karla Darcy

PS: There is much to be learned in the coming months as Miss Darcy sifts through the rumors and gossip. Surely you don’t want to be left in the dark!

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