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209

Linguists call "semantic drift" a semantic change or semantic shift; it refers to the evolution of a word's meaning over time, where the modern usage can be significantly different from its original meaning.

Linguists call "semantic drift" a semantic change or semantic shift; it refers to the evolution of a word's meaning over time, where the modern usage can be significantly different from its original meaning.

(post is archived)

[–] 3 pts

Brings to mind wrods like "nigger" and "faggot".

[–] 3 pts

How about gay? It used to mean happy.

[–] 3 pts

I still cringe when people use "decimate" to mean "destroy."

[–] 1 pt

We decimated every tenth man (near the ATM machine).

[–] 0 pt

I decimated your mom last night

[–] 2 pts

Retarded used to mean retarded (slowed growth). I can't even find this definition anymore; they're all just about how it refers to retards and how insensitive it is.

[–] 1 pt

before to regulate, to place in working order, now to add restrictions.

[–] 1 pt

Queer used to be a valid and powerful insult. Now, faggots wear it like a badge of honor, and we can get fired/canceled for calling someone a queer.