It is always interesting to read about semantics. Given its geographical extent, English is surely the language with the most interesting stories behind the words. But also because it is such a flexible language, which is always ready to include within its fold foreign words.
An interesting word I discovered recently is 'Micawberish': It literally means to be like Mr. Micawber, a character in David Copperfield, who used to idle around and trust fortune to make everything right. It is now used for somebody who is irresponsibly optimistic.
Another word with interesting semantic origins is 'Gauche' which means someone awkward, tactless or lacking social polish. It is a loan word from French, where it simply means left hand. Back when the word was transported, left-handed people were considered as being awkward and tactless, giving rise to the current meaning.
I would like to recommend 'The Meaning of Everything' by Simon Winchester, which is on the origins of English, its words, and how the Oxford English Dictionary was created, a monumental achievement of the modern era.
Coming to think of it, in India our everyday is a ‘Lindua Franca’ moment. Seamless ! it's like Bollywood meets Sandalwood meets Hollywood. Not to forget, a dash of Kollywood thrown in!. But FC 153 did bring a ‘Majama smile. Too good bro.
I am astounded to learn how and how much language has evolved. Leave alone semantics as a while, our young now have suspended with prepositions, conjunctions, articles in smses (sorry, text). And as for acronyms used, I think I am out of date- I am still at IMHO, FOMO, which are last generation slang. I learnt some new ones with today’s FC. Thank you Prasanna.
Enjoyed reading this !
It is always interesting to read about semantics. Given its geographical extent, English is surely the language with the most interesting stories behind the words. But also because it is such a flexible language, which is always ready to include within its fold foreign words.
An interesting word I discovered recently is 'Micawberish': It literally means to be like Mr. Micawber, a character in David Copperfield, who used to idle around and trust fortune to make everything right. It is now used for somebody who is irresponsibly optimistic.
Another word with interesting semantic origins is 'Gauche' which means someone awkward, tactless or lacking social polish. It is a loan word from French, where it simply means left hand. Back when the word was transported, left-handed people were considered as being awkward and tactless, giving rise to the current meaning.
I would like to recommend 'The Meaning of Everything' by Simon Winchester, which is on the origins of English, its words, and how the Oxford English Dictionary was created, a monumental achievement of the modern era.
Eection after elections politicians use the same antics of words.... And we literate fall for it!!
So true
Coming to think of it, in India our everyday is a ‘Lindua Franca’ moment. Seamless ! it's like Bollywood meets Sandalwood meets Hollywood. Not to forget, a dash of Kollywood thrown in!. But FC 153 did bring a ‘Majama smile. Too good bro.
I am astounded to learn how and how much language has evolved. Leave alone semantics as a while, our young now have suspended with prepositions, conjunctions, articles in smses (sorry, text). And as for acronyms used, I think I am out of date- I am still at IMHO, FOMO, which are last generation slang. I learnt some new ones with today’s FC. Thank you Prasanna.
Very true. Thank you for your excellent observations.