12 Shakespearian Insults To Use In Everyday Life | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

12 Shakespearian Insults To Use In Everyday Life

The Bard burns with the best of them.

77
12 Shakespearian Insults To Use In Everyday Life
Shakespeare in the Park

The Bard's words are timeless, but it's not all "thee" and "thou." The man's got a knack for insulting people in ways they sometimes don't realize are insulting - and if you whip these out the next time someone annoys you, they'll be looking for a comeback, too.

1. "There's small choice in rotten apples."

This is what I think of when people ask me which Kardashian I like best. From "The Taming of The Shrew."

2."Away, you three inch fool!"

Depending on who you're talking to, this could be insulting for several reasons. Also from "The Taming of The Shrew."

3."I desire that we be better strangers."

Jaques (pronounced Jack-quees, because Shakespeare) and Orlando are flinging insults every which way throughout the play. This one stands out. It's so polite that you barely even notice someone's saying "please go away, I don't like being around you." From "As You Like It" -which is chock full of classic Shakespearian insults.

4.“Peace, ye fat guts!”

Even better out of context. Also works well with a mic drop. From "Henry IV, Part 1."

5.“Thou art like a toad; ugly and venomous.”

Brevity's the soul of wit, yes? This one gets right to it. From "As You Like It."

6. "More of your conversation would infect my brain."

For the fellow student who never stops making inane comments during class. From "Coriolanus" - it may be a tragedy, but that won't stop Shakespeare's sick burns.

7."Out of my sight! thou dost infect my eyes."

When you just can't deal with someone anymore - from "Richard III."

8. "Thou sodden-witted lord! Thou hast no more brain than I have in mine elbows."

Can't think of a sicker burn than "sodden-witted," plus being followed up with brain-elbows. From "Troilus and Cressida."

9. "Heaven truly knows that thou art false as hell."

Minus the "thou," this sounds pretty much like what I'd say to my fellow 21st century friends. From "Othello."

10. "I scorn you, scurvy companion."

When your friend is acting particularly lacking in vitamin C. From "Henry IV, Part 2."

11. "You egg, you fry of treachery."

When in doubt, "egg" is a good go-to insult. From "Macbeth."

12. "No sir, but I do bite my thumb."

When you're just a little salty and don't want to own up to it, thumb-biting is the Elizabethan equivalent to flipping someone off under the table. From "Romeo and Juliet."

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

186547
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

12573
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

456219
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

25585
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments