Definition of the word posh

The word "posh" originates from the French phrase "pour sauver les horses" meaning "to save the horses." In the 17th and 18th centuries, coaches carrying aristocrats and the wealthy would often remove the cumbersome seats to create more space on rough roads, allowing them to "save the horses" from exhaustion. This elevated seating became known as the "poste" or "plish" – later constricted to "posh" – signifying a luxurious and exclusive experience. By the Victorian era, "posh" had taken on a broader meaning, describing something as fancy, high-class, or trendy. Today, the term is often used to describe everything from upscale restaurants to high-end fashion, still retaining its essence of exclusivity and sophistication.