Word usage / etymology

[laissez-faire]

Throughout my life I have been told that many common words are plebian, a few examples;

Toilet
Serviette
Pardon
Settee
Greens
Tea

Correct usage would be :

Loo / lavatory
Napkin
What
Sofa
Vegetables
Supper

I don't see any debate that the latter forms are more accepted but I am interested in why. I notice most of the latter are germanic whilst many of the former are of French origin. Any etymology experts here?

 

[laissez-faire]

Lavatory, vegetables and supper are all certainly romance in origin and not germanic. And "pardon" being classed as plebeian over "what"? Have you got the lists mixed up?

Definitely not - pardon is dreadfully common. The lists are correct in terms of social status but I know almost nothing about etymology, hence my interest in hearing where the words come from. Have looked on OED but not terribly helpful.

 

[laissez-faire]

Thatr's what I though too!

Valve

It is very much a 'common' conception that pardon? is more polite than what?. However it is frightfully non-U.