Romeo and Juliet 3.2 Word Nerd: bankrupt

The transcript explores the etymology of 'bank' and 'rupt', tracing 'bank' from its origins as a bench to its current meaning as a financial institution. 'Rupt' comes from the Latin 'rompere', meaning to break, and historically referred to the destruction of a money changer's store. The term 'bankrupt' has evolved from describing financial ruin to also indicating emotional exhaustion, as used by Shakespeare, and is now used figuratively to describe a lack of something important, such as moral integrity.

What was the original meaning of the word 'bank'?

• A place for storing valuables

• A bench or market stall

• A type of currency

• A financial institution

What does the Latin verb 'rompere' mean?

• To lend

• To build

• To break

• To sit

In ancient times, what would creditors do if a money changer couldn't pay his debts?

• Lend more money

• Forgive the debt

• Call the authorities

• Destroy his store

How did Shakespeare use the term 'bankrupt'?

• To describe financial ruin

• To describe emotional exhaustion

• To describe a lack of food

• To describe a lack of shelter

What does 'morally bankrupt' mean in today's context?

• Lacking financial resources

• Lacking emotional support

• Lacking moral integrity

• Lacking physical strength