What Words Did Shakespeare Make Up?
William Shakespeare is often regarded as one of the greatest playwrights and poets in the English language. His works, which span 39 plays, 154 sonnets, and numerous poems, continue to be performed and studied centuries after his death. One of Shakespeare’s most enduring legacies is his contribution to the English language. While many of his phrases and words are instantly recognizable, it is fascinating to consider just how much of the modern English lexicon owes its existence to the great bard himself.
Shakespeare’s influence on the English language is immense, with scholars estimating that he coined or popularized as many as 1,700 words. His creative genius didn’t just reshape the structure of the language—he invented entirely new words and phrases, often by combining existing words, altering them, or using them in new ways. This article will explore some of the most famous words and phrases that Shakespeare is credited with creating, providing examples of their use and examining how his inventive language has endured in modern English.
The Evolution of the English Language
Before diving into specific words that Shakespeare made up, it’s important to understand the linguistic landscape of his time. Shakespeare lived during the late 16th and early 17th centuries, a period of transition for the English language. English was evolving rapidly, influenced by the Renaissance, exploration, and the influx of Latin, Greek, French, and other languages.
During this time, many words were being borrowed or adapted from other languages, and many common words we use today were in their infancy. The printing press had recently been invented, which meant that more people had access to written language and literature, leading to greater standardization of spelling and grammar. Shakespeare was at the forefront of this linguistic shift, and his works were instrumental in shaping how English would sound and evolve for generations to come.
Shakespeare’s writing was bold, experimental, and playful, which allowed him to stretch the boundaries of the English language. He was not afraid to take liberties with existing words, make up new ones, and manipulate language for artistic effect.
Words Shakespeare Made Up: The Mechanics of Invention
Shakespeare’s approach to creating new words was varied, and his innovations are a testament to his remarkable linguistic creativity. Some of the methods he used to create new words include:
1. Adding Prefixes and Suffixes
Shakespeare often added prefixes or suffixes to existing words to give them new meanings or to create entirely new words. By doing this, he was able to craft terms that filled gaps in the language.
Example:
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Uncomfortable – In The Taming of the Shrew (1593), Shakespeare introduced the word “uncomfortable,” which has since become a staple of modern English. By adding the prefix “un-” to the word “comfortable,” he created a word that conveyed a sense of unease or discomfort.
2. Compounding Words
Another common technique that Shakespeare used was compounding, or combining two existing words to create a new one. This allowed him to coin terms that were more specific or more evocative than their individual parts.
Example:
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Eyeball – In A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1595), Shakespeare is credited with coining the word “eyeball” by combining “eye” and “ball.” Today, “eyeball” is a commonplace term, but it was a novel invention in Shakespeare’s time.
3. Using Metaphors and Similes as Words
Shakespeare was a master of metaphorical language, and he frequently turned metaphors and similes into concrete words, thereby giving new life to everyday expressions.
Example:
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Hot-blooded – Shakespeare is often credited with the phrase “hot-blooded” to describe a passionate or fiery temperament, found in The Merry Wives of Windsor (1602). Today, it’s used to refer to someone who is impulsive or emotional, often in the context of anger or love.
4. Verbification (Turning Nouns into Verbs)
Shakespeare was also a pioneer of verbification, or the process of turning nouns into verbs. This practice continues to be prevalent in modern English, as new expressions frequently emerge by converting nouns into action words.
Example:
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To leapfrog – In The Merry Wives of Windsor (1602), Shakespeare used the word “leapfrog” as a verb, referring to the act of jumping over someone or something, often in a playful or competitive manner. Today, “leapfrog” is still used to describe the physical action or a situation where someone overtakes another in a race or competition.
Notable Words Coined by Shakespeare
Now that we’ve explored the methods Shakespeare used to create new words, let’s take a look at some of the most notable words and phrases that he is credited with inventing or popularizing.
1. Assassination
One of the most famous words attributed to Shakespeare is “assassination,” which he coined in Macbeth (1606). The word refers to the act of murdering a prominent figure for political reasons, and it has since become a part of the global lexicon. In the play, Shakespeare uses the word to describe the murder of King Duncan, which Macbeth orchestrates in his quest for power.
2. Fashionable
Shakespeare is credited with introducing the word “fashionable” in Troilus and Cressida (1602). This word describes someone or something that conforms to the current trends or styles, whether in clothing, behavior, or social norms. Today, we use “fashionable” to describe things that are popular or stylish.
3. Dwindle
The word “dwindle” was first used by Shakespeare in The Taming of the Shrew (1593) to mean to diminish or shrink. Over time, the word evolved to describe the gradual reduction of size, quantity, or strength, and is still widely used today.
4. Lonely
In Coriolanus (1607), Shakespeare introduced the word “lonely” to describe a state of solitude or isolation. While the root word “alone” existed prior to Shakespeare, “lonely” conveys a deeper sense of sadness or emotional isolation, a nuance that has persisted in modern usage.
5. Zany
The word “zany,” used to describe a person who is foolish or absurd, was coined by Shakespeare in Love’s Labour’s Lost (1598). The term is derived from the “zanni,” the comedic servant characters in Italian commedia dell’arte theatre. In Shakespeare’s hands, the word evolved to refer to someone who acts in a ridiculous or outlandish manner, a meaning that endures today.
6. Savage
Shakespeare popularized the word “savage” in The Tempest (1611). Originally used to describe uncivilized or untamed people, Shakespeare used it to convey the wild, raw nature of certain characters and situations. Today, “savage” has come to describe something fierce, violent, or untamed, often used in both literal and figurative contexts.
7. Eventful
The word “eventful” is often credited to Shakespeare, who used it in As You Like It (1599) to describe a life full of significant or noteworthy events. Since then, “eventful” has become a common adjective used to describe any situation or period of time that is filled with major occurrences.
Shakespeare’s Influence on Modern Phrasing and Idioms
While Shakespeare is renowned for his creation of individual words, his legacy also extends to the phrases and idioms he coined, many of which are still in use today. Here are some of the most famous:
1. “Break the ice” – The Taming of the Shrew (1593)
Shakespeare used the phrase “break the ice” to describe the act of initiating conversation or overcoming initial social awkwardness. Today, it’s commonly used to refer to actions that ease tension and help people feel more comfortable in social situations.
2. “Wild-goose chase” – Romeo and Juliet (1597)
In Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare referred to a “wild-goose chase” as a futile or hopeless pursuit. The phrase continues to describe any search or quest that is likely to end in failure or frustration.
3. “The world is my oyster” – The Merry Wives of Windsor (1602)
In this play, Shakespeare’s character, Pistol, famously declares, “The world’s my oyster,” meaning that life holds unlimited possibilities and opportunities. The phrase is still used today to express a sense of limitless potential.
Conclusion
William Shakespeare’s contributions to the English language are vast, both in terms of the individual words he coined and the phrases and expressions that have become ingrained in modern speech. From everyday terms like “eyeball” and “fashionable” to more complex concepts such as “assassination” and “lonely,” Shakespeare’s linguistic creativity continues to shape the way we speak today.
Shakespeare’s ability to invent words and manipulate language not only enhanced the expressive power of the English language but also allowed future generations of writers and speakers to build upon his innovations. The words he made up and the phrases he popularized are a testament to his enduring influence on literature, language, and culture. By continually playing with language, Shakespeare enriched English and ensured that his words and ideas would resonate across centuries, remaining relevant and vital long after his death.
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