Theatre lives on in our common tongue even when the show is over.
Theatre has been the birthplace of many literary geniuses. It was where the creative juices flowedand have produced timeless geniuses like Shakespeare, Marlowe etc. Theatres were also a commentary on the social, political life of that era. And the rich vocabulary of the plays has always inspired not only thespians but common folks too. That is the reason why there are many words and terms that are inspired by theatre. So, let’s look at some of the words and phrases that originated from the theatre.
Blackout
Surprisingly, the term blackout was first used in theatres. But its meaning is entirely different from what we use in general language. Blackout was used as a darkening of the stage, which happened between acts and scenes.
Explode
Explode has changed a lot over time, and its meaning has morphed through the ages. Explode was derived from the Latin word “plaudere”, which means to clap. In theatre, it had another meaning; it means to jeer or mock an actor on stage too. It is kind of like booing an actor. With time, the term became more figurative. Earlier, it meant to reject, then went on to become something that violently drives out and eventually, to burn or combust with a loud noise.
Machinery
Much before the industrial revolution, when nothing was about machine making worlds and our lives much easier, the theatre was using the term. In theatre, machinery is used for devices that are used for special effects on stage.
Background
Background too came from theatre. The earliest mention of the word comes in the mid-17th century. In plays, it is known as the back of the stage. Through the centuries, the word broadened in meaning, and it started referring to something that is behind any focal point.
Catastrophe
Not finding your dream dress for a date can be a catastrophe for you, but in theatre, this word was more than that. It was apoint in the plot or story of the play, which was helpful in bringing the conclusion of the story. This point is not necessarily a tragic or heart-wrenching event, as it is originally derived from theGreek word Katastrophe, which means turning of events.
Wait in the wings
The term in theatre was used for the waiting area near the stage where actors wait for their cue to enter.
So, let us give theatre a cheer for not only being the cradle of literary endeavours but also improving our language.
