Author Topic: 10 Words That Mean the Opposite of What They Used to Mean  (Read 7877 times)

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10 Words That Mean the Opposite of What They Used to Mean
« on: May 03, 2018, 07:44:25 PM »

10 Words That Mean the Opposite of What They Used to Mean

BY BETH DREHER

Thanks to cultural changes, incorrect translations, and a host of other reasons, word meanings often shift over time. Here, ten words that have done a 180.

Awful


ALEX EMANUEL KOCH/SHUTTERSTOCK

Current meaning: Very unpleasant

Original meaning: Inspiring wonder, as in "full of awe."


Bully


OLENA YAKOBCHUK/SHUTTERSTOCK

Current meaning: Someone who mocks or harms those who are weaker

Original meaning: A good fellow or a darling. Linguists believe it evolved from the Dutch word "boel," meaning "lover."

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=89562.0
Republic Act 8485 (Animal Welfare Act of 1998, Philippines), as amended and strengthened by House  Bill 6893 of 2013--- violation means a maximum of P250,000 fine with a corresponding three-year jail term and a minimum of P30,000 fine and six months imprisonment

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islander

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Re: 10 Words That Mean the Opposite of What They Used to Mean
« Reply #1 on: May 03, 2018, 07:49:33 PM »

Artificial


JACOB LUND/SHUTTERSTOCK

Current meaning: Contrived or false

Original meaning: Artfully and skillfully constructed


Villain


SYDA PRODUCTIONS/SHUTTERSTOCK

Current meaning: Evildoer

Original meaning: A trusted farm hand. It used to be spelled villein, and it evolved into the version we're familiar with today.

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=89562.0
Republic Act 8485 (Animal Welfare Act of 1998, Philippines), as amended and strengthened by House  Bill 6893 of 2013--- violation means a maximum of P250,000 fine with a corresponding three-year jail term and a minimum of P30,000 fine and six months imprisonment

Book your travel tickets anywhere in the world, go to www.12go.co

islander

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Re: 10 Words That Mean the Opposite of What They Used to Mean
« Reply #2 on: May 03, 2018, 07:55:02 PM »

Symposium


LSTOCKSTUDIO/SHUTTERSTOCK

Current meaning: A conference or meeting to discuss a particular subject

Original meaning: A drinking party. The word comes from the Greek word "symposion," which the ancient Greeks used to describe their lively, boozy banquets.


Harlot


RIDO/SHUTTERSTOCK

Current meaning: A promiscuous woman

Original meaning: A goofy, mischievous man

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=89562.0
Republic Act 8485 (Animal Welfare Act of 1998, Philippines), as amended and strengthened by House  Bill 6893 of 2013--- violation means a maximum of P250,000 fine with a corresponding three-year jail term and a minimum of P30,000 fine and six months imprisonment

Book your travel tickets anywhere in the world, go to www.12go.co

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islander

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Re: 10 Words That Mean the Opposite of What They Used to Mean
« Reply #3 on: May 03, 2018, 07:59:23 PM »

Moot point


MONKEY BUSINESS IMAGES/SHUTTERSTOCK

Current meaning: A matter of no importance

Original meaning: A hypothetical idea created specifically to be talked about


Resentment


WOWSTY/SHUTTERSTOCK

Current meaning: Indignation

Original meaning: Gratitude

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=89562.0
Republic Act 8485 (Animal Welfare Act of 1998, Philippines), as amended and strengthened by House  Bill 6893 of 2013--- violation means a maximum of P250,000 fine with a corresponding three-year jail term and a minimum of P30,000 fine and six months imprisonment

Book your travel tickets anywhere in the world, go to www.12go.co

islander

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Re: 10 Words That Mean the Opposite of What They Used to Mean
« Reply #4 on: May 03, 2018, 08:04:27 PM »

Specious


MAKISTOCK/SHUTTERSTOCK

Current meaning: Seeming fair, but falsely so

Original meaning: Fair or beautiful


Egregious



Current meaning: Shockingly bad

Original meaning: Anything that separates itself from a group

https://www.rd.com/culture/

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=89562.0
Republic Act 8485 (Animal Welfare Act of 1998, Philippines), as amended and strengthened by House  Bill 6893 of 2013--- violation means a maximum of P250,000 fine with a corresponding three-year jail term and a minimum of P30,000 fine and six months imprisonment

Book your travel tickets anywhere in the world, go to www.12go.co

unionbank online loan application low interest, credit card, easy and fast approval

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