The problem with defending the purity of the English language is that English is about as pure as a cribhouse whore. We don't just borrow words; on occasion, English has pursued other languages down alleyways to beat them unconscious and rifle their pockets for new vocabulary.

James D. Nicoll
About This Quote

"Purity" is a word that is used a lot in today's society. When someone uses the word "purity" they are often referring to an idea of a person, place, thing, process, or action that is simply perfect and doesn't need change. The idea of purity stems from the idea that an item or concept is absolutely without blemish or flaw. In this case, Shakespeare was making a joke about the English language and its ability to borrow from other languages. For example, the word "whore" comes from Old Norse meaning "woman." In this quote, Shakespeare was mocking people who try to use their knowledge of other languages as a way to make a point about English being pure.

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