William Shakespeare’s influence on the English language is tremendous. It is estimated that he is responsible for coining hundreds of new words and phrases that have survived the test of time and remain a part of our speech today. Although it can not be said with absolute certainty whether or not Shakespeare invented these words and phrases himself, there is a long list of words that appear for the first time in his plays. You might be surprised to discover that some of the phrases and words that you hear everyday were first written 400 years ago by William Shakespeare.
Your task is to research words and phrases that Shakespeare has been attributed with inventing. Choose 10 words or phrases that were introduced by Shakespeare that you use or have heard used. Give a definition of each word or phrase and tell me which of Shakespeare’s plays each one of your selections comes from.
Fool's paradise- Romeo and Juliet- Completely oblivious
For Goodness' sake- Henry VIII- Asking the lord what is going on
It was Greek to me- Julius Caesar- It does not make sense to me
In a pickle- The Tempest- I have a problem I have to deal with
Knock! Knock! Who's there- Macbeth- Asking who is knocking at the door
Love is blind- Merchant of Venice- When you love someone it does not matter what they look like
Star crossed lovers- Romeo and Juliet- Destiny intertwined
Dwarfish- A Midsummer Night's Dream- Short, small in stature
Bedazzled- The Taming of The Shrew- You are amazed
Zany- Lover's Labour Lost- crazy, insane
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