give the royal treatment: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "give the royal treatment" is a commonly used expression in American English, often used to describe the act of treating someone with great care, attention, and respect. It implies going above and beyond what is typically expected or required in order to provide a luxurious and indulgent experience.

The origins of this expression can be traced back to the concept of royalty and the way members of royal families were historically treated. Royalty, particularly in medieval times, were often regarded as superior beings and were accorded special privileges and attention. They had a whole retinue of servants and were surrounded by opulence, luxury, and lavishness.

By the 19th century, the phrase "royal treatment" had entered the English language and was used to metaphorically describe the same level of attention and care that was given to members of royalty. It was used particularly in the context of customer service, where establishments aimed to provide an exceptional experience to their patrons by treating them as though they were royalty.

In modern usage, "give the royal treatment" has become a widely recognized idiom, often used in informal and colloquial speech. It is commonly employed in various contexts, such as hospitality, customer service, and personal relationships, to convey the idea of bestowing special treatment or going the extra mile to make someone feel important and valued.

An example of this idiom in use would be: "The hotel staff gave us the royal treatment during our stay, offering us an upgraded suite, personalized greetings, and complimentary amenities."

It is important to note that the idiom "give the royal treatment" is primarily used in a positive sense, implying kindness, generosity, and attentiveness. However, there can also be a hint of irony or sarcasm when used in certain contexts, such as when someone is being excessively fawned over or when an individual expects special treatment.

The idiom "fit for a king" is closely related to "give the royal treatment." It is used to describe something that is of exceptional quality or luxury, similar to what would befit a king. The phrase suggests that the item or experience being described is on par with what a king or a member of royalty would expect or deserve. For example, you might say, "The five-star hotel we stayed at was truly fit for a king, with its lavish decor and outstanding service."

In a similar vein, the idiom "do right by" is also related to "give the royal treatment." This expression means to treat someone fairly and justly, doing what is morally or ethically correct by them. When you "do right by" someone, you are ensuring that they are treated with respect, honesty, and fairness. It aligns with the idea of giving someone the royal treatment by going above and beyond to provide them with the care and attention they deserve. An example of using this idiom would be, "We always strive to do right by our customers, ensuring that they receive excellent service and are satisfied with their experience."

Another related idiom is the "golden rule." This timeless rule states, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." It essentially means treating others the way you would like to be treated. The golden rule is closely connected to the concept of giving the royal treatment, as it emphasizes the importance of treating others with care, attention, and respect. It encourages us to go above and beyond to make others feel valued and important, just as we would want to be treated ourselves.

The idiom "give the royal treatment" is a widely understood expression that conveys the notion of treating someone with utmost care, attention, and respect. Its origins lie in the historical treatment of royalty, and it has now become a figurative phrase used to describe going above and beyond to provide a luxurious and indulgent experience. While typically used in a positive sense, it can also carry nuances of irony or sarcasm in certain contexts. This idiom encapsulates the human desire for exceptional treatment and raises questions about the nature of power, privilege, and our own expectations in society.