How to Create Writing that Sounds Old-Fashioned | For Fantasy Writers
Common Faux-Archaic Word Swaps
you → thou / thee (singular, informal)
my → mine (before vowels: mine eyes)
sir / ma’am → my lord / my lady
friend → good sir / good woman
Tip: Overusing thou can feel forced. Many modern fantasy stories skip it entirely.
dark → gloomed / shadowed
Faux-Archaic Phrases (Very Usable)
“I would have words with you.”
“This matter is settled.”
“I will hear no more of this.”
Dialogue Tone Shifts (Modern → Faux-Archaic)
“What do you want?” → “Speak your purpose.”
“I don’t trust you.” → “I place no faith in you.”
“You lied to me.” → “You spoke false.”
“We’re out of time.” → “Time runs thin.”
“This is dangerous.” → “This path is perilous.”
“I’ll handle it.” → “I shall see to it.”
Syntax Tricks (This Is the Secret Sauce)
Instead of archaic words, shift sentence structure:
Put emphasis first → “Never have I seen such folly.”
Drop contractions → “I will not” instead of I won’t
Slightly formal word order → “Gone are the days of mercy.”
Replace casual filler → “Well…” → “So…” / “Then…”
Good faux-archaic prose is about restraint, not accuracy.
Use just enough elevated language to suggest age—without slowing the reader down.
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