PCS Blog
Shakespeare’s Insults
Posted by Kinsley Suer | 24 January 2012 | Comments (0)
Renowned for his psychological insights, subtle characterization and capacity to coin original expressions, Shakespeare would not at first sight seem to have much to contribute to the topics of swearing, profanity, foul language, obscenity and slurs. But the truth is, no one knew how to hurl an insult quite like the Bard. Based on the fact that there are hundreds of imaginative, biting quips throughout Shakespeare's plays, it’s obvious that the man adored a good insult. Shakespeare is thought to have invented (or first published) nearly 1,700 words, so it is fitting that his delight with language would filter into the art of mudslinging. His mastery of language is showcased throughout his plays in the clever weaving together of terms to form stinging phrases of wit.
According to this encyclopedia article, "in presenting characters in extreme situations of love, passion, vengeance, and suffering, Shakespeare explored the complexities of swearing and exclamation from both individual and cultural perspectives. His plays show the whole gamut of swearing, namely asseveration, invocation, malediction, blasphemy, profanity, and obscenity, ranging from the most solemn oaths and deadly curses to the most absurd and trivial exclamations."
Unfortunately, modern English is quite unimaginative when it comes to expletives. It seems that the entire scope of human emotion and distress can now be described by a few measly four-letter words. Shakespeare just might be rolling in his grave. But fear not! We've compiled a list of our very favorite Shakespearean oaths, curses and even trivial exclamations (including a few from Cymbeline!) to use the next time someone cuts you off in traffic, holds you up at the airport or buys the last seat to a now sold-out theater performance. Learn a few of these basic phrases and you’ll be cursing like an Elizabethan sailor in no time!
You, minion, are too saucy. – The Two Gentlemen of Verona
Away! Thou art poison to my blood. – Cymbeline
Pall thee in the dunnest smoke of Hell. – MacbethThou wrong'st a gentleman who is as far from thy report as thou from honour. – Cymbeline
O, [thou art] as tedious as a tired horse, a railing wife, worse than a smoky house. – Henry IV, Part I
It is fit that I commit offence to my inferiors. – Cymbeline
Thy food is such as hath been belch'd upon by infected lungs. – PericlesO disloyal thing, that shouldst repair my youth, thou heap'st a years age on me. – Cymbeline
[You] speak an infinite deal of nothing. – The Merchant of VeniceNot Hercules could have knocked out his brains for he had none. – Cymbeline
Truly thou art damned, like an ill-roasted egg, all on one side. – As You Like It
As I told you always, her beauty and her brain go not together. – Cymbeline[Thine] breath stinks with eating toasted cheese. – Henry VI, Part IIO thou vile one! – CymbelineDissembling harlot, thou art false in all! – The Comedy of Errors
Below, you can also listen to young children with British accents sling a few Shakespearean jabs. You truly can find anything on the internet! Trust me, it's awesome.
Want more? Check out this Shakespearean Insult Generator, or, better yet, build your own Shakespearean insult!
Then come see Shakespeare and his insults in action in Shakespeare's Amazing Cymbeline, running January 31 - April 8 in the Ellyn Bye Studio.
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