Bardolatry
/ˌbɑːrˈdɒl.ə.tri/noun
Excessive admiration of Shakespeare.
Did you know?Bardolatry was popularized in the 19th century by George Bernard Shaw as a sarcastic label for the near-religious cult of Shakespeare, turning literary admiration into something almost devotional.
Etymological Timeline
19th Century
English
bardolatry
“Excessive or idol-like veneration of Shakespeare”
Ancient Greek
Greek
bárdos
“poet or singer”
Ancient Greek
Greek
-latreía
“service, worship, adoration”
Late Latin
Latin
-latria
“worship, religious service”
Modern English
English
bardolatry
“Shakespeare worship”
Explore more surprising origins