Chaucer's Linguistic Legacy: Fun Phrases We Still Use Today!

Geoffrey Chaucer, the renowned "Father of English Literature," gifted us with several phrases that have become an integral part of our everyday conversations. Let's explore some of the fun phrases coined by Chaucer that continue to resonate with us even today!

• "All good things must come to an end."
  Originating from Chaucer's poem "Troilus and Criseyde," this phrase has become a common saying to acknowledge that even the most enjoyable experiences must eventually conclude. Chaucer reminds us that the clock ticks away and nothing lasts forever. But perhaps this phrase also serves as a gentle reminder to cherish those precious moments, savor every bite, and embrace the ebb and flow of life's grand journey!

• "Better late than never."
  Chaucer's witty wisdom shines through in "The Canterbury Tales," In The Yeoman's Tale, for example, he gives us the gem, "For better than never is late; never to succeed would be too long a period." And just like that, "better late than never" is born, reminding us that even if we arrive fashionably late to the success party, it's still worth celebrating.

• "Love is blind."
  In Chaucer's magnum opus, "The Merchant's Tale" from "The Canterbury Tales," he writes, "For love is blynd alday and may nat see." It encapsulates the inexplicable and often illogical nature of love, where we find ourselves irresistibly drawn to someone despite their flaws or imperfections. Love's blinding effect can make us overlook rational considerations and dive headfirst into the depths of passion and emotion. It is from this profound insight that the phrase "Love is blind" was born.

• "Familiarity breeds contempt."
  In his marvelous work, "The Tale of Melibee," Chaucer unveiled this gem of a phrase that has since become a staple in our everyday life. "Familiarity breeds contempt" captures the oh-so-relatable truth that the more time we spend with someone or something, the more likely we are to lose that initial admiration and maybe even start raising an eyebrow or two. Chaucer's uncanny ability to capture human quirks in catchy phrases ensures that we continue to wield this gem in our everyday conversations.

Geoffrey Chaucer's creative genius extended beyond storytelling, leaving an indelible mark on the English language. The next time you find yourself using one of these familiar expressions, remember the linguistic legacy of this incredible poet and storyteller!