You have your costume and you're ready to attend your local RenFaire. But you're still not sure what to say so you look—and sound—the part. Here is an handy guide to get you started learning Faire Speak.
Common Words
Faire Speak | Modern English |
Alack | Alas |
Anon | Soon |
Carouse | Party |
Chide | Scold or nag |
E'er | Ever or before |
Fie | Ugh |
Forsooth | Truthfully |
Forswear | Lie |
Gramercy | Thank you |
Haply | Hopefully |
Hither | Here |
Huzzah! | Hurray! |
In Faith | In truth |
Mayhap, Perchance | Perhaps, maybe |
Morrow | Tomorrow |
Ne'r | Never |
Nay | No |
Oft | Often |
Pray tell | Tell me |
Prithee, pray | Please |
Stay | Stop or wait |
Verily | Truly |
Wherefore | Why |
Yea/Aye | Yes |
Yonder | Over there |
Zounds! (Short for "god’s wounds") | Wow |
Exclamations
Faire Speak | Modern English |
As you will | Okay, whatever |
By your leave | With your permission |
God's teeth | Wow |
By my troth | My word of honor |
I cry your mercy | I beg your pardon |
Greetings
FaireSpeak | Modern English |
Good morrow | Good morning |
What ho! | Hello |
Well met | Nice to see you |
How met? | How are you? |
Fare thee well | Good bye |
How now? | How's it going? |
May the Lord keep thee | Good bye and stay safe |
Common Phrases
FaireSpeak | Modern English |
Thy visage dost takest my breath away. | Your beauty takes my breath away. |
Mine eyes doth take interest in thee. | You look great. |
Seat thyself and have a laugh! | Sit down and chat! |
Didst thou eat most well? | Did you enjoy your meal? |
Thou art a strapping young lad. | You're a fine-looking boy. |
Thou art a poxy rogue and a cutpurse! | You're a bad man and a thief! |