🌳 Take Umbrage, To
To take umbrage is to feel slighted or to take offense at something. This expression often evokes an image of someone standing under the shade, sulking (metaphorically, of course). The phrase finds its roots in the Latin word umbra, meaning “shade” or “shadow.” Imagine being at an outdoor party and huddling under a tree because someone made fun of your favorite socks—that’s more or less what taking umbrage feels like, minus the trees and the socks!
Synonyms:
- Take offense
- Feel insulted
- Get one’s back up
- Feel aggrieved
Antonyms:
- Remain unperturbed
- Shrug off
- Ignore
Funny Quote: “Interviewer: Can ghosts be angry? —Dent: What else is there to do in the shades except take umbrage?” -[James Agate, Ego, 1934]
Proverb: “He who takes offense when none is intended is a fool; he who takes offense when offense is intended is a greater fool.”
Literary Reference: “Do not take umbrage at what is said, they but jest in the shadows of discourse.” - Anonymous, Medieval Proverb
Song: “Take It Easy” by The Eagles; because really, wouldn’t life be simpler if we just didn’t take umbrage so seriously?
Suggested Readings:
- Sticks and Stones by Emily Bazelon - an insightful book on the power of words.
- How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie - perfect to prevent ever having to take umbrage!
- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - a classic example of characters who both give and take umbrage plentifully.
Movies:
- A Few Good Men (1992) - Sample some classic courtroom umbrage!
- The Devil Wears Prada (2006) - Many a scene of taking umbrage stylishly.
Inspirational Farewell
“To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong.” - Joseph Chilton Pearce
Until next time, remember: shedding light on words makes our language world a little less umbrageous! 🌦️
