Word of the Day

: June 18, 2009

short shrift

noun SHORT-SHRIFT

What It Means

1 : barely adequate time for confession before execution

2 a : little or no attention or consideration

b : quick work

short shrift in Context

Parents are complaining that, due to recent budget cuts, physical education and arts programs have been given short shrift in the local schools.

Did You Know?

The word "shrift" is an archaic noun referring to the confession or absolution of sins. These days, "shrift" is rarely encountered on its own, but it does keep frequent company with "short" in the phrase "short shrift." The earliest known use of the phrase comes from William Shakespeare's play Richard III, in which Lord Hastings, who has been condemned by King Richard to be beheaded, is told by Sir Richard Ratcliffe to "Make a short shrift" as the king "longs to see your head." Shakespeare uses this phrase quite literally ("keep your confession short"), but since at least the 19th century the phrase has been used figuratively to refer to a small or inadequate amount of time or attention given to something.