joseftu
08-09-2007, 09:46 AM
Or thereabouts. We all know that words develop new meanings, new shades of meaning, but it's always interested me how many words actually change almost to the opposite of their original meaning--and that this is true for some very common words that we use every day.
Take, for example, silly.
I'm pretty sure that for most of us, this word carries one of, or some combination of, these meanings:
<!--start_def-->4. Weak or deficient in intellect; feeble-minded, imbecile. <nobr></nobr>
5. a. Lacking in judgement or common sense; foolish, senseless, empty-headed.
<nobr></nobr>
b. Of words, actions, etc.: Evincing or associated with foolishness.
<nobr></nobr>
6. Stunned, stupefied, dazed, as by a blow.
But that's a relatively recent re-definition.
Up until about 1675, it was much more frequently used with one of these meanings--or some combination of them--which we pretty much never intend now.
1. Deserving of pity, compassion, or sympathy.
2. Weak, feeble, frail; insignificant, trifling: <nobr></nobr>
3. Unlearned, unsophisticated, simple, rustic, ignorant.
A similar but converse shift occurred for nice (which was originally quite negative, now the opposite).
Anyone noticed other such words?
Take, for example, silly.
I'm pretty sure that for most of us, this word carries one of, or some combination of, these meanings:
<!--start_def-->4. Weak or deficient in intellect; feeble-minded, imbecile. <nobr></nobr>
5. a. Lacking in judgement or common sense; foolish, senseless, empty-headed.
<nobr></nobr>
b. Of words, actions, etc.: Evincing or associated with foolishness.
<nobr></nobr>
6. Stunned, stupefied, dazed, as by a blow.
But that's a relatively recent re-definition.
Up until about 1675, it was much more frequently used with one of these meanings--or some combination of them--which we pretty much never intend now.
1. Deserving of pity, compassion, or sympathy.
2. Weak, feeble, frail; insignificant, trifling: <nobr></nobr>
3. Unlearned, unsophisticated, simple, rustic, ignorant.
A similar but converse shift occurred for nice (which was originally quite negative, now the opposite).
Anyone noticed other such words?