Robert Downey Jr. hates the term bromance' because it "cheapens" his friendship with Jude Law.

The pair have reprised their roles as the famous British detective duo for the new movie Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.

Much has been made of Holmes' close relationship with his sidekick Dr. Watson and Robert and Jude have also become firm friends in real life. Robert is glad the pair enjoyed such on screen chemistry, but wants his camaraderie with Jude to be taken seriously.

"To me bromance, well, I hate to say that the term cheapens it I understand that it simplifies the description," Robert said during an interview with UK television show Daybreak. "But really, you know, what is known as banter which is sometimes waffle that gets you from one action scene to another we really treated like that the poetry in the movie, finishing each other's sentences, being at cross purposes and then coming around to these circles of love and understanding.

"To me, Watson and Holmes are an exploration in intimacy in all kinds of relationships."

When asked for his opinion on the phrase bromance' defined as a non-sexual relationship between two or more men - Jude exhaled deeply and admitted he "hates" the word.

Robert has spent a lot of time in the UK making the two Sherlock Holmes movies. Although he was born in America, he feels a strong bond with Jude's homeland.

"I feel like an honorary Brit, but I will never really be one will I, Jude?" Robert revealed.

"No" Jude deadpanned. "The queen has to ask you, I am afraid. That is a little out of my reach."