Shakespearean Insults | From the blog of Nicholas C. Rossis, author of science fiction, the Pearseus epic fantasy series and children's booksThanks to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who used the word to describe President Trump as “a mentally deranged U.S. dotard” this week, Americans rediscovered an arcane, English insult long forgotten. It’s a fun word to say, kind-of naughty, rhyming with the schoolyard word we all know not to use, but perfect as a way to describe someone weak and senile.  And trust the Washington Post’s Petula Dvorak to come up with a bunch of great, equally archaic, insults that Trump can use for a great comeback–much better than “Rocket Man”:

  • DORBEL, noun, a scholastic pedant, a dolt, from the Dictionary of the Scots Language. Also used interchangeable with the word “dunce”
  • DRUXY: adjective, usually referring to wood or timber, having decayed spots in the heartwood. But once used to describe people who may seem good on the outside, but are rotten within.
  • CRAPULOUS: adjective, debauched, marked by intemperance, especially in eating or drinking.
  • FOPDOODLE: noun, a stupid or insignificant fellow; a fool; a simpleton.
  • GORMLESS: adjective, lacking intelligence, stupid.
  • GROAK: verb, to look at someone with a watchful or suspicious eye.
  • HONEYFUGGLE: Verb, to deceive, cheat or swindle.
  • SCOBBERLOTCHER: Noun, someone who avoids hard work like it’s their job.
  • SORNER: noun, a person who takes meat and drink from others by force or menaces, without paying for it.
  • SNOUTBAND: noun, Old English term for a person who is always interrupting other peoples conversations.
  • WANDOUGHT: Noun, A feeble, puny, weak creature; a silly, sluggish, worthless man, another word for impotence.

For some more creative insults, you can check out my older posts, Of Canker-blossomed Fishwives and Faithless PrunesShakespearean Insults Infographics, and Famous Writers’ Insults.