Two pilgrim women talking

Talk Like a Pilgrim

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 would have been used by the Pilgrims. Practice them at home and you could talk like a Pilgrim too!

Instead of "Hi, how are you?" the colonists might say:

  • Good morrow
  • How now?
  • How do you fare?
  • What cheer?
Pilgrim woman with purple sage

Instead of "Excuse me," the colonists might say:

  • Pray pardon me

Instead of "Congratulations!" the colonists might say:

  • Huzzah

Instead of "Fireplace," the colonists might say:

  • Hearth

Instead of "Goodbye," the colonists might say:

  • God bye to you
  • Fare thee well
  • Pray remember me

Instead of "Cat," the colonists might say:

  • Mouser
Pilgrim woman seated in yard of pilgrim house

Instead of "Stew," the colonists might say:

  • Pottage

Instead of "Pants," the colonists might say:

  • Breeches

Instead of "Skirt," the colonists might say:

  • Petticoat

Instead of "Backward," the colonists might say:

  • Arsy varsy

Instead of "Pillowcase," the colonists might say:

  • Pillowbere

Banner Image by Kathy Tarantola Photography