Words And Phrases Coined By William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare is easily one of the most known names in English Literature. He is also credited with the introduction of over 1700 of the common words and phrases we use in our daily communication to date.
William Shakespeare / Image Credit: Amazon
Quick facts about William Shakespeare
- He was born on the 23rd of April, 1564.
- He died on the 23rd of April, 1616.
- By changing nouns into verbs, verbs into adjectives, and adding prefixes and suffixes, he coined words never used before, therefore contributing to the development of the English Language.
- Shakespeare wrote at least 38 plays and over 150 short and long poems, many of which are considered to be the finest ever written in English.
- He is the second most quoted English writer after the writers of the Bible.
- His plays were never actually published during his lifetime. They are known today only because two of his fellow actors – John Hemminges and Henry Condell – recorded and posthumously published them.
Even after more than 400 years, we continue to use these words today. What this means is that you must have at one point or the other quoted Shakespeare without even realizing it!
Words And Phrases Coined By Shakespeare
# We have seen better days: meaning: we are in poor condition, worn out.
# Too much of a good thing: meaning: Even good things can hurt in excess.
# Neither rhyme nor reason: meaning: Without common sense or logic.
# I have not slept one wink: meaning: I did not sleep at all.
# The clothes make the man: meaning: People are judged by the way they dress.
# Own flesh and blood: meaning: Part of my family.
# In my heart of hearts: meaning: In my most inner, true thoughts and feelings.
# A dish fit for the Gods: meaning: A high-quality meal.
# Majestic.
# Jealousy is the green-eyed monster: meaning: Envy is so strong it makes one sick.
# Wear my heart upon my sleeve: meaning: To expose my feelings, be vulnerable.
# What’s done is done: meaning: I cannot change what has happened in the past.
# Assassination, Drugged, Excitement, Outbreak, Unreal.
# All that glitters isn’t gold: meaning: Things are not as good as they appear to be.
# A tower of strength: meaning: A person you can rely on for support.
# Star-crossed lovers: meaning: Lovers doomed by outside forces.
# Wild-goose chase: meaning: A hopeless search for something unattainable.
# Break the ice: To reduce the awkward, initial social tension.
# Melted into thin air: To disappear suddenly, leaving no traces.
# Amazement, Cold-blooded, Cold Comfort, Sooth.
READ ALSO: 10 Literature Works With Easter Themes
# Blushing, Addiction, Bandit, Dauntless, Impartial, Torture, Worthless.
# Bedroom, Swagger, Beseech, Console.
# Equivocal.
# Frugal, A laughing stock.
# Hobnob, Ingrate, Savage, Beguile.
# Negotiate, Cuckold.
# Salad Days, Eyeballs, Scuffle.
More Words and Phrases here.
Sources: Literature Encyclopedia, NoSweatShakespeare.
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