"We were not allowed to say, Screw, but we could say, Hump the hostess, because hump is in Shakespeare"

Uta Hagen’s observation about language reflects the shifting boundaries of propriety, especially within the performing arts and in broader society. References to what is considered acceptable expression or "bad language" have always evolved, and here Hagen highlights the arbitrary nature of these distinctions. The word “screw” is identified as forbidden, yet “hump”, which, in practical use, means the same thing, was permissible on stage simply due to its historical and literary pedigree, appearing in the works of Shakespeare. This distinction isn't based on moral or semantic grounds, but on tradition and the perceived respectability of classical literature.

Through this example, Hagen reveals how authority and cultural legacy influence what is deemed acceptable. Shakespeare is often held as the pinnacle of English literature, frequently used to teach language, drama, and even morality. Therefore, the code of conduct in the theatre world, and perhaps in society at large, bends to accommodate the master’s choice of words even if they convey the same meaning as contemporary slang considered taboo. This contradiction exposes the tension between language as a tool for both genuine expression and gatekeeping, depending on context and historical association.

The phrase also signals the way artistic circles negotiate censorship and audience sensibility. Theatre practitioners may push boundaries and challenge norms, but they also want to avoid scandal or offense that could result in censorship, public condemnation, or even loss of employment. By leaning on Shakespearean precedent, artists could defend edgier content as legitimate and “safe” under the protection of culture, even if the provocative message remains intact.

Hagen’s remark encapsulates the theater’s ongoing dialogue with societal values and the authority of tradition, showing how language, performance, and cultural history are manipulated to test, reinforce, or subvert what we consider forbidden or appropriate. It’s a commentary on both hypocrisy and ingenuity within our handling of words and ideas.