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!

Good morrow
How now?
How do you fare?
What cheer?

Pray pardon me

Huzzah

God bye to you
Fare thee well
Pray remember me

Hearth

Mouser

Pottage

Breeches

Petticoat

Arsy varsy

Pillowbere

Banner Image by Kathy Tarantola Photography

Talk Like a Pilgrim

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

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

Instead of "Congratulations!" the Colonists might say:

Instead of "goodbye," the Colonists might say:

Instead of "Fireplace," the Colonists might say:

Instead of "cat," the Colonists might say:

Instead of "stew," the Colonists might say:

Instead of "pants," the Colonists might say:

Instead of "skirt," the Colonists might say:

Instead of "backward," the Colonists might say:

Instead of "pillowcase," the Colonists might say: