Talk Like Shakespeare Day 📜

Overview

Talk Like Shakespeare Day, celebrated annually on April 23rd, is an unofficial holiday that encourages participants to speak, write, and generally communicate using the language and stylistic flair reminiscent of William Shakespeare. Falling on the traditional date of his birth and death, it serves as a fun tribute to the Bard of Avon, inviting enthusiasts to sprinkle their speech with "thees" and "thous," "haths" and "doths," and a dash of poetic flourish, reminding all of his profound impact on the English language.

Observed each year on April 23, Talk Like Shakespeare Day invites people to pause, share the story, and bring a little themed joy to their day.

Origin and story

April 23rd is widely recognized as both William Shakespeare's birth date (1564) and death date (1616), making it a fitting day for this linguistic celebration.

Shakespeare is credited with coining or popularizing hundreds of words and phrases still in use today, such as 'eyeball,' 'swagger,' 'fashionable,' and 'in a pickle.'

Quick facts

• DateApril 23
• TypeCultural / community observance
• Great forFriends, Families, Classrooms, Teams

Also on this date

Ways to celebrate

• Write a note or journal entry on why Talk Like Shakespeare Day matters, then set a reminder for next year.
• Post a story with #talk-like-shakespeare-day and invite others to try a tiny activity.
• Talk Like Shakespeare Day lands on April 23 — host a quick nod with Friends, Families and snap a photo.
• Pair music, snacks, or décor that match the theme and enjoy a small break.
• Plan a 10-minute activity that fits the cultural / community observance vibe and make it a mini tradition.

Fun facts

• April 23rd is widely recognized as both William Shakespeare's birth date (1564) and death date (1616), making it a fitting day for this linguistic celebration.
• Shakespeare is credited with coining or popularizing hundreds of words and phrases still in use today, such as 'eyeball,' 'swagger,' 'fashionable,' and 'in a pickle.'
• To participate, one might replace modern pronouns like 'you' with 'thou' (subject) or 'thee' (object) and use verbs like 'hath' (has) or 'doth' (does).

Sources and attribution

Source not provided.

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FAQ

When is Talk Like Shakespeare Day?

It is observed on April 23 each year.

What is Talk Like Shakespeare Day?

Talk Like Shakespeare Day, celebrated annually on April 23rd, is an unofficial holiday that encourages participants to speak, write, and generally communicate using the language and stylistic flair reminiscent of William Shakespeare. Falling on the traditional date of his birth and death, it serves as a fun tribute to the Bard of Avon, inviting enthusiasts to sprinkle their speech with "thees" and "thous," "haths" and "doths," and a dash of poetic flourish, reminding all of his profound impact on the English language.

How do people celebrate Talk Like Shakespeare Day?

Write a note or journal entry on why Talk Like Shakespeare Day matters, then set a reminder for next year.

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