Tag Archives: verbal self-defense

Shakespeare on Thank you, Thank you notes, Comebacks and Insults

“Thank me no thankings, nor, proud me no prouds” (Romeo and Juliet, act 3, sc. 5) Tips for Use. Perfect repartee for insincere social expressions and an elegant way to invite the other party(ies) to cut to the chase. Particularly applicable when the thanking appears insincere or when you wish to deflect with some humor Read More

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Shakespeare on True Love that Never did Run Smooth

 “… for aught that I could ever read, Could ever hear by tale or history, The course of true love never did run smooth.” (Midsummer Night’s Dream act 1, sc. 1)  Tips for Use. If you are a third party witnessing a quarrel between two lovers, deliver the lines as a way to indicate that Read More

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Shakespeare on Sex and Aging

“Is it not strange that desire should so many years outlive performance?” (King Henry IV p2, act 2, sc. 4) Comments. Applicable to any aging Romeo. A modern equivalent is, “I still run after women but no longer remember why.” In his Anatomy of Melancholy Robert Burton, reflecting on the general cure for love-melancholy, says, Read More

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Shakespeare on Opinion and Performance Appraisal

“God made him, and therefore let him pass for a man.” (Merchant of Venice, act 1, sc. 2) Comments. Perfect answer to the question, “What do you think of him?” when your opinion of the subject in question is negative. It is an insult that takes away the coarseness without removing the sting. You may Read More

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Shakespeare Quote, Hard Rock Groups, Hearing Loss and Irish Wolves

“Pray you, no more of this; ’tis like the howling of Irish wolves against the moon.” (As You Like It act 5, sc. 3) Comments. Applicable whenever your hearing is exposed to loud and very unpleasant or distasteful music – e.g. when your neighbors rehearse with their hard rock group. General opinions about music have Read More

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Shakespeare, The Tempest, Caliban, a Thing of Darkness

“…Two of these fellows you Must know and own; this thing of darkness! Acknowledge mine.” (Tempest act 5, sc. 1) Comments. The ‘thing of darkness’ is the monster Caliban of the Tempest. But the description fits anything that you particularly dislike or person you particularly dislike because of character or other issues. E.G. “This thing Read More

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Shakespeare Quote for Obnoxious Telemarketers

 “What devil art thou, that dost torment me thus?” (Romeo and Juliet act 3, sc. 2) Comments. Perfect answer to a telemarketer or to any obnoxious character who harasses you for whatever reason. In truth the job of a telemarketer compares to that of an indentured servant. And we would tend to be lenient to Read More

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More things in Heaven and Earth, Horatio

“There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.” (Hamlet act 1, sc. 5) Tips for use. Evasive answer to questions of the type, ‘Why this?’ or ‘Why did you do this?’ when you do not want to give a reason. Perfect during a presentation as an answer Read More

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Shakespeare Insults and a Good Comeback to an Insult

CLIFFORD Why, what a brood of traitors have we here! YORK Look in a glass, and call thy image so (King Henry VI part 2 act 5, sc. 1) Tips for use. Powerful verbal retort to an insult – “Look in a glass, and call thy image so.” If you like this website why not Read More

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Shakespeare, Teachers and how to Answer by not Answering

“But pardon me, I am too sudden-bold To teach a teacher ill beseemeth me.” (Love Labour’s Lost act 2, sc. 1) Tips for use. Perfect answer when you do not want to answer – especially when requested for advice that you do not want to give,  ‘To teach a teacher ill beseemeth me’. Excellent during Read More

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