non-U

Meaning

Not U; not characteristic of the upper classes, particularly regarding language.

Opposite of

U

Synonyms

common

vulgar

Translations

sconveniente

coloquial

vulgar

Pronounced as (IPA)

/nɒnˈjuː/

Etymology

From non- + U (“characteristic of the upper classes”), coined by British linguist Alan S. C. Ross (1907–1980) in an article in 1954, and popularized by the English journalist and writer Nancy Mitford (1904–1973).