Eyeballs and Swagger

Have you ever wondered how some of your favorite words came to exist? Take a moment to appreciate the imaginative mind of William Shakespeare, the Bard of Avon, who wasn’t just a genius playwright and a master wordsmith. Shakespeare didn’t just tell stories; he created language, gifting English dozens of words that are as relevant now as they were in Elizabethan England. Let’s dive into some fascinating trivia about Shakespeare’s linguistic innovations, and who knows — you might find a new reason to appreciate the beauty of language!

Shakespeare was a writer who embraced innovation. Whether he was crafting tragedies like Hamlet, comedies like A Midsummer Night’s Dream, or histories like Henry V, his plays reflected an unparalleled creativity — not just in storytelling but also in how he used words. When Shakespeare couldn’t find the right term for what he wanted to express, he invented one. The result? Words like “swagger” and “eyeball” remain indispensable to this day.

The Origin of “Swagger”

You’ve likely heard “swagger” used to describe someone exuding confidence, perhaps even a bit of arrogance. But did you know this word likely wouldn’t exist without Shakespeare? It first appeared in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, when characters use it to describe a strutting, boastful manner. Shakespeare didn’t pluck this word out of thin air, though; he cleverly…