Despite the confusing name, a public school is actually a private exclusive school like Harrow or Eton. Also called an ‘independent school’.
Public school
Example Sentences
"That's a proper Public school, that is."
"I've never seen such a Public school in all my life."
Etymology & History
Confusingly, British 'public school' means elite private boarding school (Eton, Harrow, etc.). 'Public' historically meant open to public (vs. private tutors). American 'public school' is state school (British: 'state school').
Word Details
📍
Region
General British
📅
Era
Modern
✓
Language
Mild
💬
Formality
Informal
Categories:
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Anglotopia's Dictionary of British English 2nd Edition
British Slang from A to Zed
By Jonathan Thomas
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