The History of English Podcast Episode 176: All the World’s a Playhouse
May 9, 2024
Explore the vibrant world of Elizabethan theaters and their impact on the English language as Kevin delves into Shakespeare's iconic works. Discover how cultural exchanges added new words, from 'cash' to 'curry.' Learn about the fascinating rise of permanent playhouses in London and the remarkable discoveries at the Rose Theatre. Unpack the comedy and intrigue of 'The Merry Wives of Windsor' and the historical significance of phrases like 'The world is my oyster.' This journey connects global influences with the evolution of English.
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Shakespeare Coined Enduring Phrases
- "The game is afoot" first appears in Henry IV and became a lasting phrase popularized later by other writers.
- Shakespeare coined or popularized many idioms that entered common English usage.
Falstaff Gave Us 'Eaten Out Of House And Home'
- The phrase "eaten me out of house and home" originates from Falstaff's unpaid tavern tab in Henry IV Part 2.
- Shakespeare here uses 'house' to mean tavern, reflecting broader Elizabethan senses.
'Cathay' Shows How Distant Names Spread
- 'Cathayan' (Katayan) meant Chinese and gained derogatory senses in English due to vague European knowledge of distant peoples.
- The name Cathay derives from Persian references to the Catan who once ruled parts of China.
