noun
- words or expressions used in an attempt to sound refined or upper-class, often considered affected or pretentious
Usage: plural form; often pejorative
Examples
- Her speech was full of genteelisms that made her sound artificial.
- The author criticized the use of genteelisms in formal writing.
- Words like ‘perspire’ instead of ‘sweat’ are common genteelisms.
- His genteelisms revealed his insecurity about his social status.
- The teacher warned against using genteelisms in casual conversation.
- Victorian literature is filled with genteelisms that sound outdated today.