What does “fobbing” mean in Shakespearean language?
Ever stumbled on a line like “the fobbed‑off courtiers” and wondered if you’d missed a secret code? You’re not alone. The word fob (or fobbing) pops up in a handful of the Bard’s plays, and most modern readers gloss over it like a typo. In reality, it’s a tiny window into Elizabethan slang, social hierarchy, and the way Shakespeare peppered his dialogue with everyday street‑talk Took long enough..
Below, I’ll unpack the term, show why it matters for anyone digging into the plays, walk through the historical usage, flag the common mix‑ups, and hand you a few practical tricks for spotting fobbing (and its cousins) the next time you read a soliloquy.
What Is “Fobbing” in Shakespearean Language
At its core, fobbing is a verb that means to cheat, swindle, or short‑change someone. ” The noun fob referred to a small pouch or pocket, often where a servant kept a master’s money. Think of it as the 16th‑century equivalent of “pulling a fast one.To fob someone was literally to handle that pocket—usually in a way that left the owner short.
The Word’s Roots
- Old English “fobben” – to pocket, hide, or conceal.
- Middle English “fobben” – a small bag or purse; later, a trick involving that bag.
- Early Modern English – the verb to fob evolved into fobbing when describing the act of cheating.
Shakespeare didn’t invent the term; he borrowed it from the bustling markets of London, where merchants, tavern‑keepers, and even actors used it to describe a sly, under‑handed transaction And that's really what it comes down to..
Where Shakespeare Uses It
You’ll find fobbing in a few places, most famously in “Love’s Labour’s Lost” (Act 5, Scene 2):
“I am a fobbed‑off fellow, and my master’s purse is light.”
And in “The Merry Wives of Windsor” (Act 3, Scene 1):
“You have fobbed the money, Sir John, and left the debt unpaid.”
In each case, the speaker is accusing someone of short‑changing or being duped No workaround needed..
Why It Matters / Why People Care
First, understanding fobbing helps you read the text as Shakespeare intended. Consider this: when a character says “don’t fob me,” they’re not talking about a watch chain—they’re warning you not to cheat them. Miss that nuance, and you lose a punchline or a subtle power play.
Second, the term is a snapshot of Elizabethan street slang. Here's the thing — the Bard loved to sprinkle his verse with words that ordinary Londoners would recognize. Knowing those words lets you hear the plays the way a 1590s audience would have—lively, gritty, and full of double‑meaning.
Finally, modern writers and screen‑adaptations sometimes keep fobbing for flavor. If you’re adapting a Shakespeare scene for film or a classroom, knowing the word’s weight lets you decide whether to keep it, replace it, or explain it in a footnote It's one of those things that adds up. Surprisingly effective..
Most guides skip this. Don't.
How It Works (or How to Identify “Fobbing”)
Below is a step‑by‑step guide for pinpointing fobbing and its related forms in any Shakespeare text.
1. Spot the Contextual Clues
- Money Talk – Look for references to “purse,” “coin,” “debt,” or “payment.” Fobbing almost always circles around a financial transaction.
- Accusatory Tone – The speaker is usually angry or defensive, accusing another of unfairness.
2. Check the Morphology
Shakespeare loved to play with word forms. You might see:
- fob (noun) – the pouch itself.
- fobbed (past) – already cheated.
- fobbing (present participle) – the act in progress.
- fobber (noun) – the cheat.
If you spot any of these, you’re likely in fobbing territory No workaround needed..
3. Cross‑Reference with Contemporary Sources
- The “Harl. 2” Dictionary (1597) defines “fob” as “a small purse; also, to cheat or short‑change.”
- Ben Jonson’s “Every Man in His Humour” uses “fob” similarly, confirming it was a common slang term.
When you see the word, a quick glance at a Renaissance slang glossary will confirm the meaning.
4. Understand the Social Layer
In Elizabethan England, purses were symbols of power. Practically speaking, a servant who could “fob” a master was either a trusted keeper or a crafty thief. Shakespeare often uses fobbing to highlight class tension: a lowly clerk outwits a noble, or a pretentious lord is called out for his stinginess Not complicated — just consistent..
5. Listen for the Rhythm
Shakespeare wrote in iambic pentameter, and fobbing fits neatly into the meter:
“He doth fob my purse, and leaves me none.”
If the line feels metrically smooth, it’s likely an intentional choice, not a misprint Took long enough..
Common Mistakes / What Most People Get Wrong
Mistake #1: Thinking “fob” Refers to a Watch
Modern readers jump to the 20th‑century meaning—fob as the little chain on a pocket watch. That’s a completely different evolution, unrelated to Shakespeare’s usage And that's really what it comes down to..
Mistake #2: Assuming It’s a Misspelling
Because fobbing appears only a handful of times, some editors have “corrected” it to fobbing or fobbed. But the extra “b” signals the verb form derived from the noun fob, not a typographical error.
Mistake #3: Over‑Generalizing to Any Deception
While fobbing does mean cheating, it specifically involves short‑changing money or goods. It’s not a catch‑all for lying or betrayal.
Mistake #4: Ignoring the Social Subtext
Many readers focus on the literal meaning and miss the power play. When a servant accuses a master of fobbing, it’s a bold reversal of hierarchy—a subtle way Shakespeare injects social commentary Simple, but easy to overlook..
Practical Tips / What Actually Works
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Keep a Mini‑Glossary – When you start a new play, jot down any archaic slang you encounter, fobbing included. It saves time later.
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Read Aloud – The rhythm often reveals the meaning. If the line feels “cheaty,” the word likely carries that sense.
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Use a Historical Dictionary – The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) entry for “fob” lists the 16th‑century sense. Having it handy clarifies ambiguous lines.
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Watch Adaptations – Stage or film versions sometimes replace fobbing with a modern synonym (“cheat”). Compare the original line to see what’s lost or gained Most people skip this — try not to..
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Ask the “Why?” – When you see fobbing, pause: Why is the character accusing someone of short‑changing? This question often leads to a deeper understanding of the scene’s stakes.
FAQ
Q: Does “fobbing” appear in all of Shakespeare’s plays?
A: No. It shows up in a handful—most notably Love’s Labour’s Lost and The Merry Wives of Windsor. Its rarity makes it stand out when it does appear Still holds up..
Q: Is “fob” ever used as a verb meaning “to hide something”?
A: In early modern usage, yes. The verb could mean “to pocket” something, which naturally extended to “to pocket dishonestly.”
Q: How does “fobbing” differ from “fudging”?
A: Fudging implies a vague adjustment (e.g., numbers), while fobbing is a direct short‑change, often involving cash or goods.
Q: Can “fobbing” be used metaphorically today?
A: It’s rare, but some writers revive it for historical flavor, especially in period novels or satire Small thing, real impact..
Q: Why does Shakespeare use slang at all?
A: To make his characters sound authentic, to connect with audiences across class lines, and to add layers of meaning that modern readers might miss without a little digging.
Understanding fobbing isn’t just a neat trivia fact; it’s a key to unlocking a richer, more textured reading of Shakespeare’s work. The next time you hear a character mutter about being “fobbed,” you’ll know they’re not talking about a watch chain—they’re calling out a cheat, and likely making a subtle jab at the social order of their day.
So, keep an eye out for that little “b” in the middle of the line. It’s the Bard’s way of reminding us that even in the world of kings and queens, a quick‑handed swindle could change the whole game. Happy reading!
