ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at some pragmatic differences between Early Modern English (EModE) and today. It considers the complex factors that govern the choice of thou versus you in EModE. The chapter shows the pragmatic noise the use of words and phrases that appear insignificant but can be very meaningful in conversational interactions. Addressing people properly is part of what is called discernment politeness conforming to social conventions requiring use of the appropriate forms according to the status and standing of people addressee. This form of politeness was very important in Old English (OE), Middle English (ME) and EModE. An important characteristic of pragmatic noise words is that they are not normal words being used in a special context. In the 1560s there was a court case in which one Nicoll Dixson was accused of stealing sheep. Hope uses part of the court witness reports to illustrate a common usage of thou and you.
