It was “a Quick Bread fit for the King” or because scones are notoriously “hard as stone” to make without messing it up. There are a few traditional stories why Scones are called what they are. You need to know the accents to decipher the vowel sound variants that can easily throw you off as the listener. In much the same way that many people mistakenly hear some Americans say “Galf” rather than “Golf” (but they are in fact saying “Golf”). There is one Scots dialect that to the untrained ear will sound like “Sc’own” (like Bone, Tone, Phone) but that is incorrect as they are saying “Scon”. Nobody is sure which the bread was named after. It has the spelling of Scone because it is a Scots word for Stone, Scone is also the town name where kings where crowned upon the Scone of Destiny. Scone is Scottish (Place name, word and scone bread) and it is pronounced as “scon”. Lets clear it up as it is a little offensive/annoying to a whole nation. The name is forgivable as most people don’t know the history or UK accents that lead to this common slip. This is a new one to me, who calls it a “scun” ? (a typo of “scon” I presume) This is not an exhaustive list and undoubtedly, we’ve left something off – so please add your own additions in the comments below!Īnglotopia’s Dictionary of British English 2nd Edition – Paperback Generally the longer you leave it in, the strong the tea will be. Steep – Letting the teabag or tea sit in the tea so it brews. Mother – The person who pours and serves the tea. Tea Taster – An expert judge of the beverage, like a wine taster. Everything you need for a cuppa.īlack Tea – The most commonly consumed tea.īuilder’s Tea – Tea traditionally drunk by tradesmen in the course of their workday. Tea Tray – Tray used in the service of tea, usually includes the kettle, mugs, teabags, sugar, etc.

Tea Service – A tea service is a set of cups, saucers, and plates, with a milk pitcher, sugar bowl, and teapot. This job has mostly died out, and office works either use a machine or make their own tea. Tea Lady – A woman whose sole job in the office was to brew and serve the tea to staff. Most Brits will stop several times during the day to have a cuppa.

Usually, have some kind of lovely decoration on them, and many people collect them. Tea Towel – Thin towel used for drying dishes after they’ve been washed. There is a debate as to whether it’s ‘scun’ or ‘scone.’ Either is fine! Scone – Rich pastry usually filled with currants or raisins, often served with strawberry jam and clotted cream. When company is coming, start the kettle as soon as they say they’re on their way! Put the Kettle On – To turn on the kettle to brew a cuppa. Many Brits will use an electric kettle (which boils water very fast). Kettle – Where you boil water to make tea. I once had a pub owner in the Lake District tell me to ‘enjoy my tea.’ I was having a steak dinner. Tea – Tea can also be used to denote the dinner meal, which is, of course, confusing to outsiders. Royale Tea – Tea service with champagne or sherry at the end.Ĭelebration Tea – An afternoon tea service where a cake is served for a special occasion. High Tea – Less formal than afternoon Tea – usually a late afternoon meal after work but before proper dinner.Ĭream Tea – A simpler tea service consisting of tea, scones, clotted cream, marmalade or lemon curd. Usually in a hotel or restaurant around 4 pm. So, here’s a short list to help translate the differences.Ĭuppa – Your simple cup of tea at any time of the day.Įlevenses – Late morning snack and cup of tea (second breakfast).Īfternoon Tea – A Formal meal where one sits down with cucumber sandwiches, pastries, and fine tea. But there is a lot of confusion out there – many people don’t realize the difference between High Tea or Afternoon Tea or Cream Tea. It’s a form of relaxation and socialization that is key to ‘getting’ Britain (like talking about the weather).

It’s not a stereotype most Brits really do love their tea and cherish a good cuppa. Tea is a culture entirely of its own in Britain. Anglotopia’s Grand Adventure – Land’s End to John O’Groats.Great Britons Book: Top 50 Greatest Brits Who Ever Lived.101 Budget Britain Travel Tips – 2nd Edition.ltimate List of Funny British Place Names.British Slang: Tea Time – British Words for Tea and Tea Related Culture.British Slang: Your Guide to British Police Slang for the Telly Watcher.British English: The Top 50 Most Beautiful British Insults.

Fancy a cuppa meaning