It's our penultimate episode! This week Shauna and Dan go Beyond the Pale. We'll, Dan does because he tends to live outside the bounds of what some people think is morally right. Bonus: Music Festivals, Acme Products, and Kegerators. Also, what speed do you listen to audiobooks?
Copyright 2026 by The Readiness Corner, LLC - All Rights Reserved
Bunny Trails: A Word History Podcast
Episode 324: Beyond The Pale
Record Date: June 28, 2026
Air Date: July 1, 2026
Intro
Dan:
Welcome to Bunny Trails, a whimsical adventure of idioms and other turns of phrase.
I’m Dan Pugh
Shauna:
And I’m Shauna Harrison
Each week we take an idiom or other turn of phrase and try to tell the story from its entry into the English language, to how it’s used today.
Opening Hook
Are you ever having a conversation with someone and they just take the joke too far? … or maybe way, way too far? Some call this behavior going beyond the pale.
Meaning
According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, beyond the pale means,
Quote
offensive or unacceptable
End quote
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beyond%20the%20pale
To truly understand beyond the pale, we first need to understand what a pale actually was.
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word traces its roots to both the Latin pālus and Old French pal, both meaning a stake or post.
https://www.oed.com/dictionary/pale_n1
The OED cites the earliest known English use of the noun pale from before 1382 in an early version of the Wycliffe Bible.
In its earliest sense, a pale referred quite literally to a wooden stake… a sharpened piece of timber driven into the ground.
Over time, the word expanded to mean a fence made from those stakes, and eventually the boundary or enclosed territory that fence defined.
Many sources, including Susie Dent in her 2024 book Interesting Stories About Curious Words, describe this progression from stake to fence to enclosed space. From there, pale developed a broader sense of a bounded area or limit.
https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/susie-dent/interesting-stories-about-curious-words/9781399811682/
With this context, it becomes easier to see how the phrase beyond the pale could develop naturally… meaning to step outside an accepted boundary. Over time, this physical idea of a boundary was extended into a social one, describing behavior that fell outside accepted norms.
But this wasn’t just an abstract concept. Across Europe during what is sometimes called the High and Late Middle Ages, roughly 1100-1500 CE, pales were used to describe various kinds of controlled or fortified territories… borderlands where authority, law, or influence was clearly defined.
Michael Thomas Kincella notes in his 2024 Mental Floss article, Where Does the Phrase ‘Beyond the Pale’ Come From? that this usage wasn’t unique to one place. The idea of a pale as a defined zone of control appeared in several regions of Europe during the the time, including Calais in northern France, the English-controlled Pale in Ireland, and later administrative pales used elsewhere.
https://www.mentalfloss.com/language/where-does-the-phrase-beyond-the-pale-come-from
One of the most well-known of these was in Ireland.
The Pale was the region around Dublin that remained under English control, separated from the surrounding countryside by boundaries, ditches, and defensive earthworks. Inside the Pale, English law and customs held sway. Beyond it lay Gaelic Irish territory, outside that system of control.
To go beyond the Pale, quite literally, was to step outside the protection and authority of that governed space.
Additional sources of research:
https://www.suzannearnold.com/blog/origin-stories-beyond-the-pale
https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/beyond-the-pale.html
https://www.irishamericanmom.com/beyond-the-pale-an-irish-expression-with-a-storied-past/
https://www.cntraveler.com/story/what-beyond-the-pale-actually-means
1651
An early usage of the phrase is found in the 1651 work, The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs. Here is an excerpt,
Quote
God provides for them, but if they will go beyond the pale, if they will pass their bounds, then they may expect to meet with troubles, and afflictions, and discontent; and therefore that is a fourth direction. Walk by rule.
End quote
https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Rare_Jewel_of_Christian_Contentment/ozM3AAAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=%22beyond+the+pale%22&pg=PA134&printsec=frontcover
The work lists a series of directions and contemplations on contentment in the context of Christianity. Here the phrase is referring to leaving the bounds of what is generally considered acceptable for Christian behavior.
1751
We do find examples of the phrase being used in the literal sense, or at least in reference to lands and territories, as in this excerpt from The Scots Magazine published in 1751.
Quote
These priests enjoyed this extraordinary privilege among the Celtic nations, who lay beyond the pale of the Roman Empire. It was in the beginning of the second century that their power among the Caledonians began to decline.
End quote
https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Scots_Magazine/TV4AAAAAYAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&bsq=%22beyond%20the%20pale%22
Here, beyond the pale is still functioning quite literally, describing groups understood to lie outside the boundaries of Roman authority.
1900
In the March 1, 1900 edition of the Ranche and range, out of North Yakima, Washington, the phrase was used in an ad,
Quote
THE 20th CENTURY "ALPHA" DE LAVAL machines are the very acme of perfection in cream separators-embodying the new and perfected development of the "ALPHA" disc principle.
The creameryman or dairyman who has not examined or used a 20th Century "disc" machine sufficiently to understand the scope and importance of the new improvements has yet to learn the merits and virtues of the up-to-date separator.
In a word, the 20th Century Alpha" machine, in any of its sizes, is simply beyond the pale of comparison with anything else that natural force and human ingenuity has yet devised in the shape of a cream separator. It stands in a class by itself—far above and beyond all possible competition.
End quote
https://www.loc.gov/resource/2007252185/1900-03-01/ed-1/
Here, beyond the pale isn’t being used to judge behavior at all, but to emphasize comparison. It’s a way of saying the product stands so far above everything else that it can’t even be measured on the same scale.
1917
The El Paso herald out of Texas shared a full page ad in their October 24, 1917 Home Edition, titled, What Will Your Children Think? Here is an excerpt,
Quote
Surely, if you do not heed your country's call now in its hour of need, you will not have the face to continue LIVING HERE, to eat the bread that's grown on free AMERICAN SOIL, to enjoy the countless blessings that FREE AMERICA gives, but will feel that you're beyond the pale of FREEDOM and CIVILIZATION – Friendless, shunned, alone, condemned by your own conscience as an outcast?
For every man who is entitled to the name "AMERICAN," EVERY MAN WHO is entitled to the respect of his fellowmen, is either going to the front to fight or PUTTING EVERY DOLLAR he can spare into LIBERTY BONDS.
Have You Bought Your Bond?
End quote
https://www.loc.gov/resource/sn88084272/1917-10-24/ed-1/
What stands out here is how beyond the pale is being used to draw a kind of moral boundary. It’s not just about behavior, it’s about belonging… who counts as part of “civilization” and who doesn’t. And in a wartime ad like this, that kind of language becomes a tool of persuasion just as much as description.
And that’s not the last time it was used to denote a moral boundary. We’ll take a look at a 1948 discussion on free speech in our Behind the Scenes Video, which airs on our Patreon. That’s patreon.com/bunnytrailspod
1956
The next reference comes from the December 2, 1956 edition of the Evening star out of Washington, D.C. This is in a story being told of a man who thought he was meeting with a woman named Madeline for an innocent purpose. However, she reads back the note he’d left in which he calls her darling… something that seems to have been added after he left it.
Quote
She folded her faultlessly manicured hands over her bosom, where the note was, and said, "Charles, this isn't like you at all."
He thought of Helen, for whom he was doing all this, and was fortified. He proceeded to do something so outrageously beyond the pale that Madeleine didn't even scream.
Still carrying his hostess by the ankles, he walked through the French doors, braced himself at the parapet, swung her over and let her hang there, twenty-five stories above the street.
End Quote
https://www.loc.gov/resource/sn83045462/1956-12-02/ed-1/
Now… he doesn’t drop her. But he does get an idea for the project he’s working on and immediately calls Helen to tell her to write down, “pendulum as plummet.” and that he’ll finish it when he gets back.
Here, beyond the pale is being used as a marker of the intensity of things rather than a boundary in any literal sense. It indicates that the character’s actions have crossed into something extreme, shocking, and exaggerated.
Up next we have several modern uses to cover and we’ll get to those, right after we say thank you to our sponsors.
A Quick Thank You
Dan:
Bunny Trails: A Word History Podcast has been brought to you by our amazing Patrons.
Shauna:
We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported the show over the years, including Heather, Dustin, Cheryl, Ad-sceptic, Charlie, Jill, Erica, Chris, Allan, Donna, and Ernest. Plus a very special thanks to some of our higher tiers, including Jan and Emily as well as Pat Rowe and JGP. And of course, thank you to our top spot, Mary Halsig Lopez.
Dan:
You can find tons of content from the show’s 9 seasons on Patreon at patreon.com/bunnytrailspod
We also have links to the episodes and transcripts or show notes for each episode on our forever home, bunnytrailspod.com
Modern Uses
1998
The 1989 film Beyond the Pale follows two undocumented Irish immigrants in New York as they try to build new lives while navigating survival, ambition, and the city’s more dangerous edges. Here is the beginning of the summary,
Quote
In 1989, two Irishmen, Patrick Shaw and Seamus O'Sullivan, arrive in New York, brimming with youthful energy and the kind of fearlessness that comes with being new to the world-and with nothing to lose. Illegal immigrants with no papers, no rights, and no safety net, they dive into the city's chaos headfirst, believing that fate and fortune are waiting to be seized.
End quote
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118710/
https://variety.com/1999/film/reviews/beyond-the-pale-1200459227/
This is an interesting look into the experiences of two individuals and a sort of play on words for the phrase beyond the pale.
2017
"Beyond The Pale" is a track from Machine Head’s 2017 album, Catharsis. Here are some of the lyrics,
Quote
I am skin and bones, broken stones
See the scars that I show
I live outside the bounds, in the unknown
I can't ingratiate, to the hate, ‘cause their world suffocates
Carve my own path and form my destiny’s shape
This storm won’t wait
The rain is falling down upon me
Beyond the pale
I found salvation
Emancipation
Beyond the pale
I found my heroes, the freaks and zeros
End quote
https://youtu.be/uwYDiiSSxrI
In this song, beyond the pale becomes a statement… it discusses belonging outside of expected norms and limits.
2025
"Beyond The Pale #4" is an acrylic painting on canvas by Jeffrey Davies Bricker, created in 2025. Here is a little of what he had to say about the work,
Quote
I love painting different styles and directions-at times vivid and bold color with a harder edge and then loose and brilliant. Please don't make me do the same painting over and over to establish a personal style!! I am different and I want to celebrate that !!
My direction and feelings are about the same when I am working! I want to create(is that a pretentious word?) art that I want to "create", that may appeal to another human and be fulfilling to me. Actually very simple!! I don't want to make it seem more important than it actually is- simply art!!
End quote
https://www.saatchiart.com/art/Painting-Beyond-The-Pale-4/2839339/13136021/view
This one is full abstract. It’s colorful and bold. It’s the kind of piece I can imagine people might look at for a few minutes or really take their time looking at all of the different lines and shapes.
2025
Beyond the Pale is a comic book series published by Dark Horse Comics. It was written by Christofer Emgård and featuring art by Tomás Aira, the team that created The Whispering Dark and The Secret Land. Here’s the synopsis of the work,
Quote
War correspondent Hetta Sawyer is looking into the disproportional loss of black GIs in the Vietnam War, where an unknowable evil awaits her in the jungle…
Leads say losses are especially high at Firebase Tartarus, with most of them simply gone missing, their fate unknown. Something sinister is happening at Tartarus, and the deeper Hetta digs, the more she finds herself spiraling into madness.
End Quote
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1506731244
2026
Beyond the Pale is a music festival held in Ireland. This year's event was just held a couple weeks ago. Here’s some information about it from their website,
Quote
THREE DAYS OF MUSIC, ARTS AND FOOD IN THE WILD WOODLANDS AND STUNNING SURROUNDINGS OF GLENDALOUGH ESTATE, CO. WICKLOW.
Step into the woods, lakes, and open skies of Wicklow’s Glendalough Estate for the return of Beyond The Pale. Three days of music, art, food, and wellness, where boutique luxury meets festival adventure.
Lose yourself in outstanding music for music lovers, from international talent, homegrown favourites and breakthrough artists. Add late‑night beats, chef pop‑ups, craft cocktails, hot saunas, cold dips, morning yoga, and forest foraging for the ultimate weekend with friends.
End quote
https://www.itsbeyondthepale.ie/
This festival looks incredible! Looking at the photos and videos from the event, it really is held in the middle of a forest. I would absolutely go! And I love the use of the phrase.
Current
BEYOND THE PALE BREWING COMPANY shares on their website,
Quote
Brewing beers for locals in the heart of Ottawa since 2012. Visit our spacious Taproom and patio, perfect for enjoying one of 16 beautifully crafted beers poured on tap.
End Quote
https://btpshop.ca/
They have beers, merchandise from shirts to home kegs, and they have venues available. Looks like an interesting place.
Wrap Up
What I like about beyond the pale is how it keeps shifting. It starts as something physical, becomes something social, and then just becomes language we use to describe limits… sometimes real, sometimes implied, sometimes just convenient. And we still use it without really thinking about any of that.
It’s a fairly conceptual phrase, which is why it ends up applying to all sorts of situations. I like that it’s this kind of chameleon phrase that still sounds a bit out of date… almost whimsical, almost eerie.
Shauna:
That’s about all we have for today. If you have any thoughts on the show, or pop culture references we should have included,
reach out to us on Patreon, patreon.com/bunnytrailspod or comment on our website bunnytrailspod.com
Dan:
It’s poll time!
Recently we asked our Patrons, What speed do you listen to spoken-word works like podcasts or audiobooks?
Mary said
Quote
Podcasts are always at 1.0 for me. The interactions feel completely different to me than narration. For audiobooks, it depends on the narrator, their pace, pitch, and inflections as well as how anxious I am to learn what happens next. So those vary from 1.0 to 1.5 . Textbooks are almost always at 1.5 but if I can get away with 2.0 and still comprehend, I’ll do it. It’s a matter of relish versus imperative.
End Quote
Cheryl added
Quote
Slightly sped up, usually 1.2 unless I'm having trouble understanding the voice. Mostly it's just to get through them faster. I'm always so far behind in my listening.
End Quote
I treat audiobooks and podcasts differently. For podcasts, I listen at default speeds since most podcasts are recorded at the speed the host would normally talk. For audiobooks, the narrators slow things down to ensure everything is clear and understood. So for audiobooks, I listen to them at 1.25 speed. The only exception is when someone I am very familiar with is narrating, like Wil Wheaton, Luke Daniels, or David Sedaris. Then I have to listen at 1.0 or their voice is just odd enough that it becomes distracting.
Shauna:
JGP said
Quote
It depends on the podcast for me, some people speak in this sort of slower, deliberate manner with careful, distinct enunciation that is very clear to listen to but I often find I need to up it to a slightly above normal speed (1.1 or 1.2) or my mind wanders while I'm listening, especially if I'm doing chores or crafts at the same time.
End Quote
And Jan shared,
Quote
Normal speed. There's too much going on when I'm driving to try to understand fast speaking. If I'm in the mood for that I'll just go to an auction.
End Quote
I think I’d enjoy the auction, because I listen to almost everything at 2x speed… sometimes a little faster. When I listen at normal speed, it’s like I’m on edge waiting for them to say the next thing… it’s basically torture.
Thanks to everyone who took part in our silly poll. It’s always fun to hear what others think!
Outro
Shauna:
Thanks for joining us. We’ll talk to you again next week. Until then remember,
Together:
Words belong to their users.
No comments:
Post a Comment