In Keeping Up Appearances, one of the show’s most enduring jokes centers around its main character, Hyacinth Bucket, portrayed by Patricia Routledge. The running gag about her surname is not just a reflection of her overbearing, status-obsessed personality, but also a perfect representation of her constant efforts to appear more refined than she truly is. Hyacinth insists that her last name, which is plainly spelled “Bucket,” be pronounced “Bouquet,” a seemingly small detail that becomes one of the show’s most memorable comedic elements. This insistence highlights her obsession with appearing sophisticated and upper-class, despite coming from a more humble background.
The choice of the name “Bucket” is no accident. It was deliberately created by writer Roy Clarke to underscore Hyacinth’s character and the series’ exploration of social class and pretension. “Bucket” is a basic, working-class surname—simple and unpretentious. However, Hyacinth refuses to accept her ordinary roots and instead strives to project an image of elegance. By demanding the French-sounding “Bouquet,” she attempts to elevate herself and her name to something associated with high society, despite the fact that her life and surroundings often contradict this illusion.
The humor surrounding Hyacinth’s surname becomes even funnier as various characters, particularly those outside her social circle, continually mispronounce it as “Bucket.” Delivery men, repair workers, and even her own family members often fail to recognize her preferred pronunciation. Each time, Hyacinth insists, “It’s Bouquet!” in a tone that blends exasperation and forced politeness, making the gag a consistent and delightful part of her character’s development.
Hyacinth’s family, particularly her long-suffering husband Richard, plays into this running joke. While Richard humors her insistence, other characters, like her more grounded sisters Daisy and Rose, deliberately ignore her attempts to create a false sense of grandeur, often reinforcing the reality that she cannot escape. Despite her grandiose aspirations, Hyacinth’s name, and the gag about its pronunciation, serves as a humorous reminder that she is forever disconnected from the reality she strives to emulate.
Her first name, Hyacinth, further complicates her character. The name itself is old-fashioned and elegant, further symbolizing her desire to be seen as part of high society. However, like her last name, it doesn’t align with her actual life. She lives in a suburban home rather than a grand estate, and although she frequently hosts extravagant events, they are often attended by reluctant guests rather than elite individuals. Her entire existence is centered around social climbing, whether she’s name-dropping or pretending to befriend aristocrats. However, each of these attempts leads to comic failure, often drawing attention to the gap between her delusions and her reality.
The Bouquet/Bucket gag encapsulates Hyacinth’s struggle, illustrating her relentless pursuit of status and her simultaneous failure to achieve it. Her character becomes a perfect embodiment of the show’s theme—how people’s attempts to appear more sophisticated often fall flat. In the end, her name serves as an iconic reminder of her comedic delusions, and even people who’ve never watched Keeping Up Appearances will recognize the humor behind her insistence on “Bouquet.” Hyacinth Bucket, with her flawed but endearing nature, has become one of the most beloved figures in British sitcom history.
