Shakespeare’s Guide to Making Up Words
September 6, 2024
Adulting… Friending… Googling…
What do these things have in common? They all started out as nouns but have become commonly used verbs.
While this “fad” of verbing nouns may seem like a recent phenomenon, according to this great article from copyblogger, the art of turning verbs into nouns dates all the way back to Shakesperean times. And this article from Shakespeare.org backs up that claim.
William Shakespeare, the Bard of Avon, is famous not only for his plays and sonnets but also for his incredible knack for inventing words. You might be surprised to learn that he created between 1,700 and 2,200 words, many of which are still in use today, like “fashionable” and “swagger.”
Shakespeare’s inventive spirit was not unique to him; throughout history, people have been coming up with new words to enrich the English language, and it continues to evolve with each passing year.
Creating new words is not just an exercise in creativity but a powerful tool for grabbing attention.
When crafting content, especially in marketing, using unique and unconventional words can make your message stand out.
By experimenting with word forms—turning nouns into verbs or blending existing words into new ones—you can capture readers’ interest. Shakespeare did this brilliantly, transforming words and phrases in ways that surprised and engaged his audiences.
Today, we have plenty of opportunities to invent our own words. Whether it’s by mixing two existing terms, adding prefixes and suffixes, or simply playing with sounds and meanings, there are endless possibilities.
Modern examples include playful terms like “totes” and “noob,” which reflect how language is constantly evolving. So next time you’re writing, don’t be afraid to invent a word or two; after all, you might just create the next big trend in language!
