Semantic drift

• Semantic drift is the evolution of word usage — usually to the point that the modern meaning is radically different from the original usage.

Etymology

• Etymology is the study of the origins of words.

• As languages develop the meaning of words can change over time. This causes confusion and misunderstanding when communicating with other people.

Why words change their meanings?

• Influence of other languages and cultures.

• Predominate use of slang words.

• Advancement of science and technology

How Latin words got into English language

The Roman Empire

expanded into Britain,

bringing Latin

Latin words found

their way into the

Anglo-Saxon language

of the people in Ancient Britain

Latin word “stratum”

means “layered

road”

“Stratum”became “straets”

in Anglo-Saxon

Now called

“streets” in

modern English

How fast are words changing?

• Once every ten years, the Merriam- Webster dictionary is updated.

• Their 11th edition for 2003 included some 10,000 new words along with 100,000 new meanings to words already existing and some 225,00 revised definitions.

Words that have changed their meanings!

Words Old Meaning New Meaning

Awful Full of awe Bad or unpleasant

Ambulance Walking hospital Carries the patient to the hospital

Amuse To distract and misleadsomeone

To entertain

Apology To defend oneself Formal statement of regret

Bachelor A young man hoping to become a knight

Unmarried

Basement Toilet Foundation of a building

Words that have changed their meanings!

Words Old Meaning New Meaning

Bimbo Tough guy An attractive but empty headed woman

Bully Sweetheart , darling Harasser of the weak

Cauldrons Started out as something for heating people

Cooking utensil

Confuse To ruin someone To make something less easy to understand

Cute Acute, keenly perceptive and shrewd

Pretty and charming

Defecate To purify To discharge faeces

Diaper A special white fabric with diamond shapes

Absorbent material for babies

Words that have changed their meanings!

Words Old Meaning New Meaning

Embarrass To block or obstruct Ashamed

Garble To sort something out To mess it up

Girl Young person of either sex Only female

Grin To show your teeth in anger

Smile broadly

Husband House owner The person a woman is married to

Idiot Anybody who is not a clergyman

A stupid person

Words that have changed their meanings!

Words Old Meaning New Meaning

Imprecate To pray for someone’s good To cause harm to someone

Manage The age at which one becomes a man

To take control

Matrix Pregnant animal An environment or material where somethingdevelops

Nice Silly and foolish Pleasant, agreeable

Sad To be satisfied or settled Unhappy

Servant An admirer One who is employed to carry out duties

Words that have changed their meanings!

Words Old Meaning New Meaning

Spinster A woman who spun for a living

Unmarried girl

Stupid Surprised, amazed Lacking intelligence

Success Outcome no matter good or bad

A final good outcome

Tomboy A boy lacking good manners

A girl who acts like a boy

Zombie Name of a snake god Soulless creatures that eat brains!

REFERENCES

• http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/words-literally-changed-meaning-through-2173079

• http://www.monitor.co.ug/artsculture/Reviews/Words-that-have-changed-meaning-over-the-years/-/691232/1940530/-/gmgvtl/-/index.html

• http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/05/31/735843/-The-Mad-Logophile-Words-That-Have-Changed-Their-Meaning-Part-1

• http://wethepak.com/eight-words-which-have-completely-changed-their-meaning-over-time/

• http://www.virtuescience.com/etymology-how-words-change-over-time.html