The influence of Shakespeare
William Shakespeare's Influence on the English Language
William Shakespeare was a prolific writer of plays and poems known for his contributions to the
English language. Many of the phrases and words he coined are still in use today. While he may
have heard some of these phrases before, he was the first to put them into print:
● "In a pickle:" This phrase refers to a type of preservative made of vinegar and salt that is
used to preserve food. It can also refer to a difficult or unpleasant situation.
● "There's method in my madness:" This phrase means that someone may be behaving in
a strange way, but they have a reason for it. It comes from the play Hamlet, where the main
character pretends to be mad for his own reasons.
● "To catch a cold:" Shakespeare used this phrase as a metaphor for getting to know
people. When meeting new people, it can be uncomfortable and awkward at first. However,
if someone makes a joke that everyone laughs at, it can break the ice and help everyone
become more comfortable around each other.
● "A heart of gold:" This phrase refers to someone who is a good and generous person at
their core.
● "Hot-blooded:" This phrase refers to someone who has a quick temper and is easily
angered or prone to getting into fights.
Shakespeare was the first person to put this word in print:
If you say "it's Greek to me", it means you don't understand something.
If something has seen better days, like a favorite chair, you can say "this chair has seen its better
days.
William Shakespeare's Influence on the English Language
William Shakespeare was a prolific writer of plays and poems known for his contributions to the
English language. Many of the phrases and words he coined are still in use today. While he may
have heard some of these phrases before, he was the first to put them into print:
● "In a pickle:" This phrase refers to a type of preservative made of vinegar and salt that is
used to preserve food. It can also refer to a difficult or unpleasant situation.
● "There's method in my madness:" This phrase means that someone may be behaving in
a strange way, but they have a reason for it. It comes from the play Hamlet, where the main
character pretends to be mad for his own reasons.
● "To catch a cold:" Shakespeare used this phrase as a metaphor for getting to know
people. When meeting new people, it can be uncomfortable and awkward at first. However,
if someone makes a joke that everyone laughs at, it can break the ice and help everyone
become more comfortable around each other.
● "A heart of gold:" This phrase refers to someone who is a good and generous person at
their core.
● "Hot-blooded:" This phrase refers to someone who has a quick temper and is easily
angered or prone to getting into fights.
Shakespeare was the first person to put this word in print:
If you say "it's Greek to me", it means you don't understand something.
If something has seen better days, like a favorite chair, you can say "this chair has seen its better
days.
