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.


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

"Good morrow"

"How now?"

"How do you fare?"

"What cheer?"

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

"Pray pardon me"

Instead of "Congratulations!" the Colonists might say:


Instead of "goodbye," the Colonists might say:

"God bye to you"

"Fare thee well"

"Pray remember me"

Some more "new" words from old English:

Instead of fireplace, say "hearth"

Instead of cat, say "mouser"

Instead of stew or porridge, say "pottage"

Instead of pants, say "breeches"

Instead of skirt, say "petticoat"

Instead of backward, say "arsy varsy

Instead of pillowcase, say "pillowbere"

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