Along with penning some of the loftiest lines in the English language, Shakespeare was in a league of his own when it came to casting a vicious comeback or hurling a stinging barb.
There was no resorting to simple jibes like "idiot!" for the Bard - instead, his insults sang with startling metaphors and vivid imagery. Whether it's Prospero calling Caliban a "freckled whelp, hag-born" in The Tempest or King Lear railing against his daughter Goneril with the damning words "Thou art a boil, a plague sore, an embossed carbuncle", Shakespeare had the perfect insult for every occasion.
Packed full of eloquent stings and poisonous putdowns, this is the perfect reference for anyone looking to scorn an enemy - without resorting to swearing.
