Art Thou Knowledgeable in Shakespearean English? Take This Quiz and Find Out.

“They have been at a great feast of languages, and stolen the scraps.” Willian Shakespeare was not only a brilliant playwright, but he basically invented some of the greatest words in the English language. Though the words of the Elizabethan era are almost foreign to 21st century vernacular, one can still delight in the witty iambic pentameter “as I pronounc’d it to you, trippingly on the tongue.” Can you decipher what these eloquent words of the past would mean today? What did Shakespeare mean to say when he used the words “calumny,” “kickie-wickie,” and “paragon?” Though a thespian or literary enthusiast would be expected to be sure, the average layman today might not be able to translate so swiftly. Your quest is to translate 12 words from Shakespearean vocabulary in order to be rewarded with a badge of victory and honor! Dare you be so bold? Wait not and be haste!