The Dictionary of Posh

'If you are keen to brush up the clipped tones of the 1950s Field reader, or inveigle yourself into conversation with two grand dowagers, then Hugh Kellett's funny little volume may help. Written with a wordsmith's ear for the sound of language, it runs from A to Z but incorporates within it a story, a 'lexiconic novel', perhaps the first of its kind... In Kellett's dictionary Dad is dead, and flesh is flash; mind becomes maned and ears for yes; all of which makes perfect audible sense. For those in need of assistance simply turn to Kellett's guide to phonetics in the appendix first. A jolly stocking filler, illustrated by Field regular Oliver Preston, and destined for yuletide loos.' -- Alexandra Henton * The Field *
'How to talk Portia* than Her Majesty. *For us hoi polloi, that means 'posher'. And as Olivia Colman speaks the Queen's English [...], here's a witty guide on how we can all sound awfully upper class. Olivia Colman's first two words as the Queen in the new series of TV's The Crown are 'old bat' as she describes her likeness on a new set of stamps. Colman is said to pronounce the words as 'ewld bet'. Cearly, the 'Queen's English' is much posher than the one most of us speak. A new book, The Dictionary of Posh, by Hugh Kellett, gives a wry guide to how the royals and fellow upper classes speak. So pour yourself a nice glass of 'wane' and get learning! Cheers... or should that be 'chairs'?' * Daily Mail *
'Learn how to speak the refined, plummy prose so beloved by the rich and well-heeled in our gracious land (or lend).' * Lady magazine *
‘Mention’, that is to say, ‘mansion. ‘Ace’ that is to say ‘ice’. Hugh Kellett’s wit, along with cartoons by Oliver Preston, provides a hilarious insight into an endangered language, Posh.'
'This is a fun book – a witty guide on how we can all sound awfully upper class. Thoroughly recommended.' -- Country Squire Magazine