October 20th & 21st Blog Entry #7

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.

1. Hobnob: to associate on very friendly terms (twelfth night)

2. Lackluster:  lacking liveliness, vitality, spirit, or enthusiasm (As you like it)

3. Besmirch:to detract from the honor or luster of (Hamlet)

4. Radiance:warm, cheerful brightness (All's Well That Ends Well)

5. Gossip:light, familiar talk or writing.

6. Ode:(originally) a poem intended to be sung.to look at, check, or observe closely (Love's Labour Lost)

7. Eyeball:to look at, check, or observe closely 

8. Academe: the public grove in Athens in which Plato taught.

9. Mimic: to copy what one is doing

10. Swagger: to boast or brag noisily