I never get those lines. I mean how could biting one's thumb be an insult?
2007-09-04 08:43:24 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Quotations
Back in Shakespear's day, to "bite one's thumb" was the equivalent of our "f... you!" During those times, it was like giving someone the dirty finger.
2007-09-04 08:46:00 · answer #1 · answered by Chichiri 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Biting your thumb at someone was a rude gesture, like sticking up your middle finger at someone. It was considered a very "common" gesture to make.
2007-09-10 17:31:43 · answer #2 · answered by Erica 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When Sampson said that in Romeo and Juliet he was referring to an insult that was designed to provoke a fight. To look at someone and bite one's thumb was considered to be grossly rude.
To bite one’s thumb at another. To insult; to provoke to a quarrel.
“Gregory. I will frown as I pass by: and let them take it as they list.
“Sampson. Nay, as they dare. I will bite my thumb at them; which is a disgrace to them, if they bear it.”—Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet, i. 1.
2007-09-04 16:34:39 · answer #3 · answered by quatt47 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋