A Piece Of Work
@arthurchappell (44941)
Preston, England
October 12, 2015 10:46am CST
It’s a strange insult to call someone a piece of work. Does it mean getting to understand or control that person is a difficult chore? The phrase is usually thrown at someone who has done something awful, or said something offensive. It implies that you are a one of, and somehow unbelievable. A good reaction to the comment might be to treat it as if it was a compliment and being congratulated for being a rare beautiful masterpiece, by Picasso, or Da Vinci, but the phrase is often hurled around angrily to suggest that the speaker has a very low opinion of you.
Arthur Chappell
5 people like this
5 responses
@Rollo1 (16676)
• Boston, Massachusetts
12 Oct 15
I think the phrase has grown in meaning and become meaner since Shakespeare coined it. Originally it pointed out the difference between potential and actual realization of potential. It's the sort of insult I wouldn't say to anyone's face. That would be rude.
2 people like this
@blitzfrick (2890)
• United States
12 Oct 15
I've heard, and used, this phrase, always in a derogatory manner. Shakespeare used the phrase in Hamlet and it has been interpreted to describe the disparity between "the difference between what men aspire to and how they act". (quotes from Wikipedia) I really never gave it so much thought, just knew it was some sort of insult... Oh yes, I myself have been called a piece of work from time to time, probably appropriately, too! 
1 person likes this
@arthurchappell (44941)
• Preston, England
12 Oct 15
@blitzfrick I'm sure your not
1 person likes this
@blitzfrick (2890)
• United States
13 Oct 15
@arthurchappell generous of you to say so, but I guarantee nothing, lol.
1 person likes this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
12 Oct 15
better question, when did piece of work (look at hamlet, it was a compliment then) become an insult? I did find this, haven't traced the references to know if this is true or not though
Q: When did the phrase “a piece of work” begin to have negative connotations? The original meaning seems to have been entirely positive, but now dictionaries say it can refer to somebod…
@crazyhorseladycx (39503)
• United States
12 Oct 15
most interestin' tags, mr. arthur. i reckon i'd rather be called a 'piece of work' than some thingies i've been called... always best to access the situation 'n typically brush off those kinda folks, don't'cha think?
1 person likes this
