- - What's a Rake and Why Is Eloise On the Shelf? Decoding All the Regency-Era Terms in “Bridgerton” Season 4

Jordana ComiterJanuary 30, 2026 at 12:00 AM

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Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton in episode 404 of 'Bridgerton'

Liam Daniel/Netflix

Bridgerton season 4 part 1 premiered on Netflix on Jan. 29

The Regency-era period drama is based on Julia Quinn's novel series

There are several Regency-era terms mentioned throughout the show, including "rake" and "lady-in-waiting"

Bridgerton has returned with even more matchmaking attempts, gossip columns and of course, a new slew of Regency-era terms to add to your vocabulary.

Season 4 part 1 of the romance show returned to Netflix on Jan. 29 and brought many familiar faces back to the ton for another social season in Mayfair. The show is based on Julia Quinn's novel series, which takes place between 1813 and 1827 in England’s Regency Era.

During a May 2024 episode of Write On: A Screenwriting Podcast, showrunner Jess Brownell shared her advice for writing a period drama, suggesting writers "approach it the same way you would a modern piece."

"Focus on: What are you trying to say that's new? And how are modern audiences going to connect with these characters? You can always go back and do a regency pass at the end," she said. "I often write a scene just like I would for a modern-day show and go back and fix the dialogue later."

As fans have come to know and love, there are plenty of Regency-era terms used throughout the show that help bring the period drama to life.

From a "rake" to a "lady-in-waiting," here's a complete guide to the Regency terms in Bridgerton season 4 part 1.

Rake

Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton in episode 402 of 'Bridgerton'

Liam Daniel/Netflix

Several times throughout season 4 part 1, Benedict's family members — including his mom Violet Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell) and sister Eloise (Claudia Jessie) — refer to him as a rake.

In episode 1, after Violet tells him he must marry someday, she says he will need to be a gentleman and "not a rake" to win approval of the father of an eligible young lady. Later, Eloise calls him a "notorious rake" while recapping the masquerade ball.

Rake — which was previously used to describe season 1's Duke of Hastings, Simon (Regé-Jean Page) — is an abbreviation of the old 16th century term rakehell. Per Dictionary.com, it refers to a "licentious or dissolute man."

In Bridgerton season 4, when Benedict's loved ones call him a rake they are essentially saying he won't be respected because he is promiscuous.

On the shelf

Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton in episode 404 of 'Bridgerton'

Liam Daniel/Netflix

During episode 1's masquerade ball, Eloise tells Penelope (Nicola Coughlan) that she had time during her summer in Scotland to reflect on what she truly wants, and she no longer feels the need to "antagonize suitors or debutantes" as she's made the decision to put herself on the shelf.

According to Dictionary.com, the Regency-era phrase means "without prospects of marriage." Eloise's decision to put herself on the shelf means that she has no intention to marry, and doesn't plan to pursue romance or engage in high society's matchmaking.

This term used in season 4 puts a label to something Eloise has long felt and communicated with her dear mama: the enterprising young woman has no interest in finding a husband. While being on the shelf would have been construed as a very negative thing in the Regency era, Eloise embraces the term and is hopeful she can remain on the shelf without her mother's insistence that she must marry.

Cross

Yerin Ha as Sophie Baek and Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton in episode 404 of 'Bridgerton'

Liam Daniel/Netflix

Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha), a maid from the working class who is the female season 4 lead, is far from pleased when Benedict secures her a job at his own family's home. But after realizing she is treated nicely by the family and gets along well with her co-workers, she begins settling into her new role.

During a hallway run-in, Benedict asks Sophie how she's liking the position, and inquires if she is still "cross" at him for bringing her there.

Per Collins Dictionary, the English definition of "cross" is to be irritated or angry. Although the term was popular in the Regency era, it is still used today.

Lady-in-Waiting

Emma Naomi as Alice Mondrich, Adjoa Andoh as Lady Danbury and Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte in episode 404 of 'Bridgerton'

Liam Daniel/Netflix

In episode 4, Alice Mondrich (Emma Naomi) tells Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh) that she does "not want to be a lady-in-waiting for the Queen." Her declaration comes after Lady Danbury proposes the idea of it to Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel), following her own request to leave the ton and go back to her ancestral home.

Still, Lady Danbury insists that being a lady-in-waiting is "an honor, one that most would only ever dare to dream of." She also emphasizes to the Queen that Alice will not be like the other lady-in-waitings, as she will "challenge her" and "tell her the truth."

According to Dictionary.com, a lady-in-waiting is a "lady of a royal household who attends a queen or princess," much like Lady Danbury has done for the last several years.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”