Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day: “Short Shrift” (January 31, 2026)
Episode Overview
This episode of Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day focuses on the phrase “short shrift.” The host, Peter Sokolowski, unpacks its definitions, explores its historical origins, and discusses its modern usage, highlighting both the literal and figurative meanings. The episode aims to deepen listeners' understanding of a phrase that’s terse both in content and in spirit.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Definition & Meaning
- “Short shrift” is a noun spelled as two words: s h o r t s h r i f t.
- It means little or no attention or thought, or quick work.
- In a religious context, it once referred to “barely adequate time for confession before execution.”
Usage Example
- From Nola.com:
“Charlie Kaplinger echoed the concerns of many speakers at the meeting, with charter captains saying the recreational fishing industry's economic contributions were being given short shrift.”
(00:35)
Linguistic Wit
-
The host jokes:
“We've got a confession to make, but we'll keep it brief. While it's technically possible to make long shrift of something, you're unlikely to find long shrift in our dictionary anytime soon.”
(00:43) -
Comment: The phrase “long shrift” doesn’t actually exist, highlighting “short shrift’s” unique role in the English language.
Historical Origin
-
The phrase “short shrift” first appeared in Shakespeare’s play Richard III. In the play, Lord Hastings, condemned by King Richard, is told by Sir Richard Ratcliffe:
“… to make a short shrift as the king longs to see your head.”
(01:00) -
Back in Shakespeare's time, “shrift” meant the confession or absolution of sins.
“To make shrift meant, quite literally, to keep your confession short.”
(01:10) -
Since at least the 19th century, the phrase has shifted from its literal roots to a figurative one.
Modern Usage
- Since the 19th century, “short shrift” has been used to describe something that receives little time, attention, or respect.
Notable Host Sign-off
- “With your Word of the Day, I'm Peter Sokolowski.” (01:45)
Memorable Quotes
-
On figurative vs. literal use:
“Although now archaic, the noun shrift was understood in Shakespeare's time to refer to the confession or absolution of sins. So to make shrift meant, quite literally, to keep your confession short.”
—Peter Sokolowski (01:10) -
On permanence in the language:
“Short shrift, on the other hand, has been keeping it real—real terse, that is—for centuries.”
—Peter Sokolowski (00:49)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- (00:00) — Introduction of “short shrift”; spelling and definition
- (00:35) — Usage in a contemporary sentence (Nola.com example)
- (00:43) — Host’s wordplay with “long shrift”
- (01:00) — Shakespearean origin of the phrase
- (01:10) — Explanation of historical meaning of “shrift”
- (01:30) — Shift to modern figurative usage
- (01:45) — Episode closing and host sign-off
Summary for Listeners
This episode delivers a brisk, insightful exploration of “short shrift,” a phrase rooted in Shakespearean drama and religious practice but living on to describe neglect or lack of attention today. Peter Sokolowski guides listeners through the word’s evolution—from hurried confessions on the scaffold to modern quick dismissals. The episode’s tone is both scholarly and playful, offering nuggets of linguistic wisdom and a touch of punning humor.