Talk Like a Pilgrim
"Good Morrow" "How Do You Fare, Goodwife?"
The Pilgrims talked a little differently than we do today. If you visit the Museum's 17th-Century English Village, you will notice that the townspeople say words you know in a funny way, or even say some words you don't know at all! That's because they are speaking in 17th-century English, not 21st-century modern English.
Here are a few examples of English words, greetings and phrases that were used back then. Practice them at home and you could talk like a Pilgrim too!
Instead of "Hi, how are you?" the Colonists might say:
"Good morrow" Press to listen
"How now?" Press to listen
"How do you fare?" Press to listen
"What cheer?" Press to listen
Instead of "Excuse me," the Colonists might say:
"Pray pardon me" Press to listen
Instead of "Congratulations!" the Colonists might say:
"Huzzah!" Press to listen
Instead of "goodbye," the Colonists might say:
"God bye to you" Press to listen
"Fare thee well" Press to listen
"Pray remember me" Press to listen
Some more "new" words from old English:
Instead of fireplace, say "hearth" Press to listen
Instead of cat, say "mouser" Press to listen
Instead of stew or porridge, say "pottage" Press to listen
Instead of pants, say "breeches" Press to listen
Instead of skirt, say "petticoat" Press to listen
Instead of backward, say "arsy varsy" Press to listen
Instead of pillowcase, say "pillowbere" Press to listen
