William Shakespeare, often regarded as the greatest playwright and poet in the English language, is celebrated not only for his profound impact on literature but also for his remarkable contributions to the English vocabulary. Throughout his career, Shakespeare invented, adapted, and popularized numerous words and phrases that have become an integral part of the English language. His inventive use of language helped shape modern English, influencing how we speak, write, and think today. This article will explore the various words Shakespeare is credited with inventing, coining, or popularizing, examining the linguistic and cultural impact of his creativity.
Introduction to Shakespeare’s Language Innovation
Shakespeare’s mastery over language was one of his most defining characteristics. His works—ranging from plays, sonnets, to narrative poems—are filled with linguistic experimentation. While it is difficult to pinpoint the exact number of words Shakespeare created or introduced, estimates suggest that he coined or popularized over 1,700 words during his lifetime. The richness of Shakespeare’s vocabulary is a testament to his keen understanding of human experience, his ability to manipulate language for dramatic effect, and his desire to capture the complexity of the world in a single word.
Shakespeare was not the first to invent new words—writers and poets had been doing so for centuries—but his influence on the language was unmatched. His work occurred during the Renaissance, a period of cultural and intellectual rebirth in England, which saw great changes in language, science, and thought. The fluidity of the English language during this time, combined with Shakespeare’s genius, allowed him to expand the lexicon in ways that other writers could not.
This article will first provide an overview of Shakespeare’s approach to language and then delve into specific words that he either invented or popularized. We will explore their meanings, contexts in which they were used, and the lasting influence these words have had on the English language.
Shakespeare’s Linguistic Creativity
Shakespeare’s linguistic creativity stemmed from several sources:
Inventing New Words: One of Shakespeare’s methods was to combine existing words in new ways, often adding suffixes or prefixes to create something entirely original. This allowed him to enrich the English language with new expressions and concepts.
Adapting Foreign Words: Shakespeare was well-read and had access to many languages, including Latin, French, and Italian. He borrowed words from these languages, transforming them into English and often altering their meanings.
Reviving Old Words: Many words had fallen into disuse by Shakespeare’s time, but he revived them for use in his works, giving them new relevance and meaning.
Using Puns and Wordplay: Shakespeare had a well-known penchant for puns and wordplay, using multiple meanings of words to create humor, irony, and depth in his writing. This versatility added to the richness of his vocabulary.
Through these methods, Shakespeare contributed to a lasting expansion of the English language, leaving behind a legacy that still influences contemporary writers and speakers.
Words Shakespeare Is Credited With Inventing
Several words that we now use daily were coined or popularized by Shakespeare. These words span various fields, from emotions to everyday actions, and they showcase Shakespeare’s broad linguistic imagination. Below are some notable words that can be traced back to Shakespeare’s plays.
1. Assassination
The word assassination first appeared in Shakespeare’s Macbeth (1606). In the play, Macbeth reflects on his fate, considering the inevitability of his rise to power and the violent act of regicide. Although the term “assassinate” existed before, it was Shakespeare who gave us the noun assassination to describe the act of killing a ruler or a prominent figure. The word gained widespread usage after the play, becoming a staple in the English lexicon.
2. Accommodation
In The Taming of the Shrew (1593), Shakespeare used the word accommodation to describe the act of adjusting or making space for something. While the word existed in Old French, Shakespeare’s use of it helped to cement its place in the English language as we understand it today, signifying a place to live or a process of adaptation.
3. Eyeball
The word eyeball first appeared in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1595). Shakespeare used the term to describe the spherical part of the eye, a term that was previously unknown in English. Today, it is a common word in both anatomical and colloquial usage.
4. Bedazzled
The word bedazzled made its debut in Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. In the play, it refers to a sense of overwhelming admiration or amazement. Shakespeare’s use of the word captured the idea of being “dazzled” or overwhelmed by a powerful effect, and over time, bedazzled took on a more figurative meaning in English, referring to something that impresses or dazzles one beyond measure.
5. Lonely
Although the word lonely existed before Shakespeare, he is credited with popularizing it in its modern sense. He used it in Coriolanus (1608) to describe a sense of isolation or abandonment. Today, the word is used to express solitude or a state of emotional isolation, especially in contexts of deep emotional disconnection.
6. Dauntless
Shakespeare coined the word dauntless in Henry VI, Part 3 (1591), where he used it to describe a person who is fearless or undaunted. Today, it is commonly used to describe a person’s courage or determination in the face of difficulty.
7. Swagger
The word swagger appears in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1595) and Henry IV (1597), where Shakespeare describes a certain type of boastful, confident walking or behavior. While swagger was originally used to describe someone’s manner of walking, it has since expanded in meaning to describe confident or arrogant behavior more generally.
8. Green-Eyed Monster
While not a word in itself, Shakespeare popularized the phrase green-eyed monster in Othello (1603), using it to represent jealousy. The imagery of jealousy as a monster, which consumes the person feeling it, has persisted in literature and conversation ever since.
9. Laughable
The word laughable, meaning something worthy of laughter, was first used by Shakespeare in The Taming of the Shrew (1593). It has since become a standard term to describe something that is so absurd or ridiculous that it provokes laughter.
10. Majestic
The word majestic first appeared in The Winter’s Tale (1611), where Shakespeare used it to convey a sense of grandeur or dignity. Today, majestic is widely used to describe something that inspires awe due to its size, beauty, or power, often associated with natural landscapes or royal figures.
Phrases Shakespeare Popularized
In addition to individual words, Shakespeare is also credited with coining or popularizing many phrases that are still in use today. These expressions demonstrate his ability to create memorable, vivid language that resonates across centuries.
1. Break the Ice
In The Taming of the Shrew, Shakespeare used the phrase break the ice to describe the act of initiating conversation or overcoming social awkwardness. Today, the phrase is commonly used to refer to actions or comments designed to relieve tension or initiate a social interaction.
2. Wild-Goose Chase
The phrase wild-goose chase originates in Romeo and Juliet (1597), where Shakespeare used it to describe a futile pursuit. It now refers to an activity or quest that is hopeless or unlikely to succeed.
3. The Game is Afoot
Shakespeare first used the phrase the game is afoot in Henry IV, Part 1 (1597), meaning that an activity or event has begun, often with a sense of excitement or urgency. The phrase has been widely adopted in popular culture, especially in detective stories and thrillers.
4. Catch the Drift
In The Merchant of Venice (1596), Shakespeare used the expression catch the drift to indicate understanding or catching onto a subtle message. Over time, this phrase has evolved into common usage when one understands the direction or meaning of something.
5. A Foregone Conclusion
In Othello (1603), Shakespeare used the phrase a foregone conclusion to describe something that is inevitable. The phrase is now used widely to describe an outcome that seems preordained or certain to happen.
Conclusion
William Shakespeare’s contributions to the English language are vast and enduring. His inventive use of language, his ability to coin new words, and his knack for creating memorable phrases have helped shape English as we know it today. Many of the words and expressions he introduced continue to enrich the language, demonstrating the lasting influence of his creativity.
By pushing the boundaries of the English language, Shakespeare not only transformed literature and drama but also ensured that his words would live on long after his death. His legacy is one of linguistic innovation, cultural impact, and a profound understanding of human nature, all of which continue to influence writers, poets, and speakers worldwide.
