Semantic Change
Semantic Change -- Changes in the Meaning of Words
Semantic change describes the evolution of word usage - usually to the point that the modern meaning is radically different from the original usage. For example, awful originally meant something more akin to awesome or full of awe, but now has a meaning that is almost the exact opposite. There are common tendencies in semantic change involving a change from concrete to abstract or more metaphorical meanings. Sometimes the term bleaching is used to suggest a loss of concrete meaning.The following are some examples of semantic progression, or semantic change, in English.
- demagogue - Originally meant "a popular leader". It is from the Greek demagogos (leader of the people), from demos (people) + agogos (leader). Now the word has strong connotations of a politician who panders to emotions and prejudice.
- democrat - At the time of the American Revolution, the term "democrat" had all the negative connotations of the modern usage of the word "demagogue". A century, the term had shifted in meaning enough that it was viewed favorably as the name of a national political party.
- egregious - Originally described something that was remarkably good. The word is from the Latin egregius (outstanding) which is from e-, ex- (out of) + greg- or grex (flock). Now it means something that is remarkably bad or flagrant.
- guy - Guido (Guy) Fawkes was the alleged leader of a plot to blow up the English Houses of Parliament on 5 November 1605. The burning on 5 November of an effigy of Fawkes, known as a "guy," led to the use of the word "guy" as a term of general reference for a man, as in "some guy called for you." In the 20th century, under the influence of American popular culture, "guy" gradually replaced "fellow," "bloke," "chap" and other such words throughout the English-speaking world, and is also referred to both genders (ie., "Come on you guys!" could refer to a group of men and women).