Shakespeare's made up words
Shakespeare invented (or changed the meaning of) over 1700 words tht we use today. Although the words would have seemed strange then, nowadays most are used commonly. He did this to get his script past the master of the reveles who checked the script to make sure it was not offensive to religion or the king. Since Shakespeare's plays were very controversial he had to disguise the meaning in made up words.
Here I have picked 5 difficult Shakespearian words from the grid above to explain.
- Obsequiously = Characterized by showing deference
- Madcap = Eccentric
- Besmirch = To damage something or someone
- Ode = A lyric poem
- Impartial = Not baised
As well as made up words Shakespeare also invented lots of phrases that we use today.
Here are some examples of common phrases that Shakespeare invented:
Break the ice” — (The Taming of the Shrew)
“Brevity is the soul of wit” — (Hamlet)
“Refuse to budge an inch” — (Measure for Measure / The Taming of the Shrew)
“Cold comfort” — (The Taming of the Shrew / King John)
“Crack of doom” — (Macbeth)
“Dead as a doornail” — (Henry VI Part II)
“A dish fit for the gods” — (Julius Caesar)
“Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war” — (Julius Caesar)
“Devil incarnate” — (Titus Andronicus / Henry V)
“Eaten me out of house and home” — (Henry IV Part II)
“Faint hearted” — (Henry VI Part I)
“For goodness’ sake” — (Henry VIII)
“Full circle” — (King Lear)
“Give the devil his due” — (Henry IV Part I)
“Good riddance” — (Troilus and Cressida)
“Jealousy is the green-eyed monster” — (Othello)
“Heart of gold” — (Henry V)
“Ill wind which blows no man to good” — (Henry IV Part II)
“In my heart of hearts” — (Hamlet)
“In my mind’s eye” — (Hamlet)
“Knock knock! Who’s there?” — (Macbeth)
Here are some examples of common phrases that Shakespeare invented:
Break the ice” — (The Taming of the Shrew)
“Brevity is the soul of wit” — (Hamlet)
“Refuse to budge an inch” — (Measure for Measure / The Taming of the Shrew)
“Cold comfort” — (The Taming of the Shrew / King John)
“Crack of doom” — (Macbeth)
“Dead as a doornail” — (Henry VI Part II)
“A dish fit for the gods” — (Julius Caesar)
“Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war” — (Julius Caesar)
“Devil incarnate” — (Titus Andronicus / Henry V)
“Eaten me out of house and home” — (Henry IV Part II)
“Faint hearted” — (Henry VI Part I)
“For goodness’ sake” — (Henry VIII)
“Full circle” — (King Lear)
“Give the devil his due” — (Henry IV Part I)
“Good riddance” — (Troilus and Cressida)
“Jealousy is the green-eyed monster” — (Othello)
“Heart of gold” — (Henry V)
“Ill wind which blows no man to good” — (Henry IV Part II)
“In my heart of hearts” — (Hamlet)
“In my mind’s eye” — (Hamlet)
“Knock knock! Who’s there?” — (Macbeth)