Romeo and Juliet 1.5 Word Nerd: "portly"

The term 'portly' originally described someone with a stately manner, often associated with the upper class. Over time, it came to refer to the visible sign of wealth, such as a large belly, distinguishing the non-working aristocracy from the labor-intensive working class. In the 1930s, 'portly' was used as a size for men's pants. In literature, Lord Capulet uses the original meaning of 'portly' to describe Romeo as a well-mannered gentleman.

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

• A member of the working class

• A person with a dignified and stately manner

• Someone who is overweight

• A type of clothing

How did the meaning of 'portly' change over time?

• It referred to the physical appearance of the well-fed aristocracy

• It was used to describe a type of food

• It started to describe a person's wealth

• It became associated with the working class

Which of the following best describes the struggle of most working people in contrast to the aristocracy?

• Finding enough leisure time

• Getting enough calories for their labor-intensive lifestyles

• Maintaining their social status

• Choosing fashionable clothing

In the 1930s, how was the term 'portly' used in fashion?

• As a style of hat

• As a size category for men's pants

• As a color option for clothing

• As a type of fabric

What does Lord Capulet mean when he describes Romeo as 'portly'?

• Romeo is overweight

• Romeo is a young boy

• Romeo is a well-mannered gentleman

• Romeo is a member of the aristocracy