Prince George has officially started his education at Eton College, following in the footsteps of his father, Prince William, and uncle, Prince Harry. The 13-year-old began his first day at the prestigious boarding school on 8 September, after being seen off by William and Kate Middleton. For his official portraits, George wore Eton’s traditional uniform, complete with a black tailcoat, waistcoat, pinstriped trousers and distinctive white collar. While royal fans quickly remarked on how much he resembled his father at the same age, his new school life will involve much more than formal clothing and long-standing traditions. Among the first things George will need to master is Eton’s unusual vocabulary, often referred to as the school’s “Eton Glossary.” The college publishes an official guide explaining the historic expressions pupils use in everyday conversation, many of which can sound unfamiliar to outsiders.

Some of the terminology is particularly distinctive. Teachers are known as “Beaks,” while “Dames” and “House Masters” oversee the school’s boarding houses. “Messing” describes an afternoon period when pupils can prepare food in their boarding-house kitchens, while “chambers” refers to a morning break between lessons. A “Div” can mean a lesson, while sporting pupils are divided into “dry bobs,” who participate in sports such as cricket, and “wet bobs,” who are rowers. Boys who do not take part in either cricket or rowing may be referred to as “slack bobs.” If a pupil produces especially poor work, they could receive a “rip,” involving signatures from senior staff. Then there is “Pop,” the name given to Eton’s senior prefect body, formally known as The Eton Society. With centuries of traditions behind many of these expressions, George has plenty to learn as he settles into his new school.