While certainly noted for his rhythm, meter, and themes, perhaps Shakespeare’s strongest influence on the English language was his diction. Scholars estimate that Shakespeare used at least 20,000 words in his work overall, and that he coined about 1,700 of those words. While many scholars are quick to point out that Shakespeare’s contribution to diction in this respect is commonly misunderstood—as some of his words and phrases may have simply been products of the time—it’s undeniable that Shakespeare maintained a degree of linguistic variety and innovation unmatched by his peers. Thus, he is credited with coining, or at least popularizing, many words and phrases we still use today. Take a look at a selection of these popular terms and their sources.
"All the world's a stage"
from As You Like It, Act II, Scene VII
"Be-all and the end-all"
from Macbeth, Act I, Scene VII
"Let slip the dogs of war"
from Julius Caesar, Act III, Scene I
"Double, double toil and trouble"
from Macbeth, Act IV, Scene I
"Fashionable"
from Troilus and Cressida, Act III, Scene III
"For goodness' sake"
from Henry VIII, Prologue
"In my heart of heart"
from Hamlet, Act III, Scene II
"Jealousy is the green-eyed monster"
from Othello, Act III, Scene III
"Knock knock! Who's there?"
from Macbeth, Act II, Scene III
"Livelong day"
from Julius Caesar, Act I, Scene I
"Seen better days"
from Timon of Athens, Act IV, Scene II
"Wear my heart upon my sleeve"
from Othello, Act I, Scene I