Double meanings

I don't know if we have discussed this before, but here goes.
I think it's really stupid at how the meanings of some words have changed. e.g.

'Gay' used to mean Happy.

'Fit' used to mean healthy and well.

'Spam' used to be you put in your sandwiches.


Am I being a boring old fogey?

Re: Double meanings

That's English for you, it's a living language, it changes with time.

My favourite example is Sophisticated which used to mean 'Having its naturalness spoilt' but no longer does anyone use it that way. Yet words derived from the same source still mean the same eg Sophist or Sophism.

I don't see it as a problem, just proof that the language is alive and growing.

Re: Double meanings

You're right Bruce, language is constantly evolving, even in one's lifetime.

Re: Double meanings

Spot on, English both spoken, and written is doing so faster than at any time due to the Internet and the media.

Re: Double meanings

It makes the point doesn't it, that English is quite a hard language to learn!

Gwyn

Re: Double meanings

"When I use a word," Humpty Dumpty said, in rather a scornful tone, "it means just what I choose it to mean—neither more nor less."

That's the problem with a language evolving too quickly. Some people are just too sloppy to use perfectly good existing words and either make up a new word or change the meaning of an old one.

But.. 'Fit' still means healthy and well or suitable/appropriate.

'Spam' can still be put in your sandwiches - yeuch!!!!.

Re: Double meanings

Oh George matey did you never have battered 'spam' slices and veg as a main meal - I haven't had that in many years, but now you've jogged my memory of it - I want some, I want some!!!

And as for 'spam' and Branston sweet pickle sarnies - something else that is both tasty and filling!!!

Re: Double meanings

So UJ you eat your words

Re: Double meanings

I totally agree.

Re: Double meanings

If you are, Mups, then so am I!