Eloquent Insults Redux « Notes From Neal

Eloquent Insults Redux

December 28, 2007

Back in April, I posted a list of rather eloquent insults that surpassed the more traditional “your mama” or my favorite, “bite me“. Here are some additional insults to add to your own collection. Use them at your own risk, of course. Part of that risk might be that both the insultor and insultee understand what is being flung about.

So here we go…

I liked your opera. I think I will set it to music.
– Ludwig van Beethoven to a fellow composer

Your manuscript is both good and original, but the part that is good is not original and the part that is original is not good.
– Samuel Johnson (attributed)

Vile worm, thou wast overlooked even in thy birth — William Shakespeare

You are not worth another word, else I’d call you knave.
– William Shakespeare (All’s Well that Ends Well)

I do desire we may be better strangers.
– William Shakespeare (As You Like It)

There’s no more faith in thee than in a stewed prune.
– William Shakespeare (1 Henry IV)

Entry Filed under: Free Speech, Humor, Language, Quotations. .

3 Comments Add your own

1. lethaleuphoria | December 28, 2007 at 12:03 pm

I agree, in saying that Shakespeare has the BEST insults one could ever fathom. They are incredibly hurtful and yet they sound so wonderful while saying them. I tried throwing a Shakespearian -style insult at someone, and they just stared at me, with a dropped jaw. They weren’t expecting it and there is really no quick comeback - unless you are in the same state of mind. Thank you for this blog, I enjoyed it immensely.
2. Neal Watzman | December 28, 2007 at 10:03 pm

Thanks for your kind words. Although Shakespeare certainly was eloquent with words, take a look at some of the other insults hurled by more modern folks.

And I’m not talkin’ about “bite me”
3. maryblu | December 29, 2007 at 10:05 pm

I find the best inuslts are always those made when they don’t realize they’re being insulted and you leave them puzzled over your words. Nice site!

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I work as software consultant based in Cincinnati, Ohio, building custom information systems for education and businesses. My company, Watzman Associates, Inc. has been in business for over 20 years.

Using FileMaker Pro as my development platform, I build database solutions that work for those using them. The hard work is done "under the hood", what my customers get are tools to improve their schools and businesses.

Notes From Neal