Some pigeons, Davy, a couple of short-legged hens, a joint…
““Some pigeons, Davy, a couple of short-legged hens, a joint of mutton, and any pretty little tiny kickshaws, tell William cook. KING HENRY IV, PART II, 5.1 Kickshaws, the Elizabethan misspelling of the French quelque chose, “a little something,” refers to dishes we now categorize as appetizers or hors d’oeuvres.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A brief note explains that “kickshaws” is an Elizabethan term for small appetizers, illustrating how language evolves.
In simple terms: Kickshaws = small appetizers.
Key Takeaway
Understand historical culinary terms.
Themes
language
food
history
Mood
educational
curious
Type
linguistic
culinary
When to use this quote
- restaurant menus
- historical reenactments
- food writing
Key Concepts
etymology
cultural cuisine
Questions to Reflect On
- How does language shape our view of food?
- What other old terms have modern equivalents?
A Different Perspective
Modern readers may misinterpret archaic words.