A Midsummer Night's Dream 5.1.202 Word Nerd: Ninny

The transcript explores the evolution of the word 'innocent' from its Latin roots, originally meaning someone who does no harm, to its more restrictive sense in Shakespeare's time, referring to someone naive due to youth. It also discusses the term 'ninny', derived from 'innocent', which came to mean a simpleton or fool. The transcript further analyzes a reference to King Ninas in Shakespeare's work, highlighting the irony of calling a great warrior a fool.

What was the original meaning of the word 'innocent'?

• A young and naive person

• Someone who does no harm

• Someone who does harm

• A simpleton or fool

How did the meaning of 'innocent' change by Shakespeare's time?

• It referred to a wise person

• It described someone who does no harm due to youth and naivety

• It meant a person who does harm

• It was used for a warrior

What does the word 'ninny' imply about a person?

• They are young and naive

• They are a wise elder

• They are a simpleton or fool

• They are a warrior

In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', what does Bottom imply by referring to King Ninas's tomb as 'Ninny's tomb'?

• King Ninas was a young child

• King Ninas was a great warrior

• King Ninas was a fool

• King Ninas was a wise ruler

What was King Ninas known for?

• Being a young and naive ruler

• Writing plays

• Conquering the Middle East and much of Western Asia

• Being a simpleton