Non-motoring > New meaning for existing words	Miscellaneous
Thread Author: L'escargot	Replies: 65

New Wed 22 May 13 09:17   New meaning for existing words - L'escargot

How do existing words get new meanings? It must be just one person who starts it all off, and then others copy. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 22 May 13 09:34   New meaning for existing words - Cliff Pope

Some known people actually invented words that passed into normal use, eg Shakespeare, Dr Johnson, or else another auther (eg Wendy, Trilby, etc) Sometimes it's a common malapropism ( there's another invented example in itself) that gradually displaces the true meaning. Quite often it's not actually a new meaning, but a much older meaning or useage that has crept back into use, or has always existed at a sub-cultural level ("gay" being this forum's favourite example) Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 22 May 13 09:36   New meaning for existing words - Bromptonaut

One person may start it off but use by identifiable/self identifying groups and in the media are conduits for spreading usage. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 22 May 13 09:46   New meaning for existing words - Ambo

Very likely to work as you suggest, Escargot, but why not check it out and invent and spread a new meaning of your own? For example, describe people you don't like as "cowpats" and see how long it takes for you to hear other people using the term in this way. Probably not long. I have launched original jokes and also rumours helpful to me in this way and had them come back to me in days. (Jokes are often passed off by someone as their own invention.) Rumours can be useful in the workplace and I picked up the idea from French colleagues, masters of the "on dit" ("have you heard ..?"). Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 22 May 13 10:05   New meaning for existing words - L'escargot

>> For example, describe people you don't >> like as "cowpats" and see how long it takes for you to hear other people >> using the term in this way. Just give me a while to decide which Car4player is a cowpat. Last edited by: L'escargot on Wed 22 May 13 at 10:05 Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 22 May 13 10:51   New meaning for existing words - Mike Hannon

If you are interested in how words and usages come about you might like this website, which has an entertaining weekly newsletter too: www.worldwidewords.org/ Last edited by: Mike Hannon on Wed 22 May 13 at 10:52 Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 22 May 13 11:14   New meaning for existing words - Roger.

You can call me a loon - a rather nice water bird! Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 22 May 13 12:41   New meaning for existing words - DP

Accent has a tremendous influence over how "right" a word or phrase sounds in a given situation or context. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 22 May 13 13:17   New meaning for existing words - Cliff Pope

>> Accent has a tremendous influence over how "right" a word or phrase sounds in a >> given situation or context. >> As Terry-Thomas might have said, "The fella's an ebsolute ceowpet !" Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 22 May 13 12:57   New meaning for existing words - henry k

>> You can call me a loon - a rather nice water bird! >> We have one of those fluffy birds that usually squark when you squeeze them. Ours is a Loon from Maine that emits that wonderful sound just like the real thing. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 22 May 13 13:28   New meaning for existing words - Manatee

Somebody here used the word terpsichorean the other day. It occurred to me at the time that it ought to mean adj. of or pertaining to painting and decorating (joc.) n. one who cleans paintbrushes. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 22 May 13 14:19   New meaning for existing words - Cliff Pope

>> >> >> n. one who cleans paintbrushes. >> Or perhaps a "terpsichorean by proxy" One who uses Turps substitute. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 22 May 13 14:17   New meaning for existing words - CGNorwich

The Canadian Dollar bears an image of a loon on the obverse side and is commonly know as a loonie. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 22 May 13 14:36   New meaning for existing words - WillDeBeest

Reverse, don't you mean, Cliff? The obverse is HM's head. Pleasing design, though. Last edited by: WillDeBeest on Wed 22 May 13 at 14:38 Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 22 May 13 14:41   New meaning for existing words - helicopter

Are any of these loons of the swivel eyed variety so beloved of the upper echelons of the Tory party? Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 22 May 13 15:00   New meaning for existing words - Ambo

For the theoretical background: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meme Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 22 May 13 16:53   New meaning for existing words - Roger.

>> Are any of these loons of the swivel eyed variety so beloved of the upper >> echelons of the Tory party? You called? Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 22 May 13 17:38   New meaning for existing words - Londoner

Not you, Roger. You are not one of those unthinking Tory loons. You are a loon with a view. ;-) Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 22 May 13 17:59   New meaning for existing words - Roger.

>> Not you, Roger. You are not one of those unthinking Tory loons. >> >> You are a loon with a view. ;-) Cue for a song! Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 22 May 13 18:02   New meaning for existing words - Armel Coussine

>> Cue for a song! A loon with a view And you And no one to marry us No one to harry us ... Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 22 May 13 19:09   New meaning for existing words - CGNorwich

Who is Cliff? I was just trying a new meaning for obverse. "When I use a word," Humpty Dumpty said in a rather a scornful tone,"it means just what I choose it to mean --- neither more nor less." Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 23 May 13 11:12   New meaning for existing words - Cliff Pope

>> Who is Cliff? >> >> I was just trying a new meaning for obverse. >> I noticed that but let it pass. Obverse means to observe something but turn your head so that you don't see it. :) Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 22 May 13 15:32   New meaning for existing words - bathtub tom

>> For example, describe people you don't >> like as "cowpats" and see how long it takes for you to hear other people >> using the term in this way. I bet our dearly beloved Pat has been called a cow before. I shall now duck out of this thread! ;>) Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 22 May 13 16:56   New meaning for existing words - Pat

I've been called worse than that BT...all water off a ducks back though! Pat Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 22 May 13 17:06   New meaning for existing words - WillDeBeest

...or even a loon's? Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 22 May 13 18:54   New meaning for existing words - PhilW

Wicked thread. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 22 May 13 19:23   New meaning for existing words - Runfer D'Hills

Of course, on the other hand, the advent of swear filters has led to new words for existing meanings... Actually, it could be viewed as an opportunity. I'm rather bored with the current set of swear words. Some new ones would be refreshing. Tourettes sufferers must get really bored with trotting out the same old repertoire. They'd have to be believably invective though. I shall invent some next time I'm stuck on the M40 but suggestions are most welcome of course. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 22 May 13 20:08   New meaning for existing words - Armel Coussine

'The devil damn thee black, thou cream-faced loon! (Whom we invite to see us crowned at Scone)' From one of many hilarious Shakespeare takeoffs I have seen over the years, can't remember which. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 22 May 13 20:17   New meaning for existing words - Roger.

‘Sblood, you starveling, you eel-skin, you dried neat’s-tongue, you bull’s pizzle, you stockfish––O for breath to utter what is like thee!––you tailor’s yard, you sheath, you bowcase, you vile standing tuck! Use all or parts as required when stuck behind a mimser on the M25. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 22 May 13 20:24   New meaning for existing words - MD

.......................OR you Pusillanimous Festering Leech. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 22 May 13 20:34   New meaning for existing words - Runfer D'Hills

All good stuff but I do feel we need something shorter and more impactful. Not too many tricky vowels I think. Consonants scan better in these things. One has to be mindful of the needs of the northerners. Many current swear words defeat them. It's very difficult to take them seriously when their expletives make them sound like enraged hens. :-) Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 22 May 13 22:27   New meaning for existing words - No FM2R

Culero Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 22 May 13 22:29   New meaning for existing words - Dog

Tosspot! Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 22 May 13 22:30   New meaning for existing words - No FM2R

Pajero (Aha! A Motoring connection!) Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 22 May 13 22:34   New meaning for existing words - Dog

Onanist, as Lud would say. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 22 May 13 22:35   New meaning for existing words - No FM2R

Verga Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 22 May 13 22:39   New meaning for existing words - Zero

>> Verga Nah, it has a "soft" start. Cant be said with vehemence or threat. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 22 May 13 22:40   New meaning for existing words - No FM2R

Puta. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 22 May 13 22:42   New meaning for existing words - Dog

sweet briar ... Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 22 May 13 20:39   New meaning for existing words - Armel Coussine

I repost without apology a fine piece of vituperation. Herself hates it because it's misogynistic, but few here will care, and I don't really either. Don't bother of course if you saw it last time. The lanky hank of a she in the inn over there Nearly killed me for asking the loan of a glass of beer. May the devil grip the whey-faced slut by the hair And beat bad manners out of her skin for a year! That parboiled imp, with the hardest jaw you will see On freedom's path, and a voice that would rasp the dead, Came ranting and roaring the minute she looked at me And threw me out of the house on the back of my head. If I asked her master he'd give me a cask a day; But she, with the beer to hand, not a gill would arrange. May she marry a ghost and bear him a kitten, and may The high King of Glory permit her to get the mange. Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 22 May 13 22:39   New meaning for existing words - Roger.

The Spanish insult, " Hijo de puta" fits nicely - accompanied by the arm, held by the insultor's other arm, being raised in the direction of the insultee, for added emphasis. Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 23 May 13 00:14   New meaning for existing words - Armel Coussine

Me cajo en la leche de su padre... a nasty one, quoted by Hemingway actually. Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 23 May 13 00:46   New meaning for existing words - Ambo

For use in traffic in Malaysia: "Barua, binatang, ! Jakun, baharu keluar dari hitan! Lain kali buboh ell!" Which of course means "Pimp, animal! Aborigine, straight out of the jungle! Wear your L plates next time!" Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 23 May 13 08:47   New meaning for existing words - Ambo

"Hitan" should read "hutan". Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 23 May 13 08:57   New meaning for existing words - Zero

thats the trouble with Johnny Foreigner, cant swear, curse and insult in an efficient and curt manner. Too many words. Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 23 May 13 11:27   New meaning for existing words - Roger.

>> Me cajo en la leche de su padre... a nasty one, quoted by Hemingway actually. ¡ Mierda ! Reply to this message | Report message

New Thu 23 May 13 19:08   New meaning for existing words - Meldrew

Prisoners are "Locked Up" and their prisons are "Locked Down"H ow does that work? Reply to this message | Report message

New Fri 24 May 13 16:08   New meaning for existing words - Stuartli

The word gay has had its original meaning changed very sharply. Why do you have to use the Start button to Shut Down Windows...? Reply to this message | Report message

New Fri 24 May 13 16:17   New meaning for existing words - No FM2R

Cricket started messing with the language long before Microsoft. Reply to this message | Report message

New Sun 26 May 13 14:48   New meaning for existing words - Dave_

>> Why do you have to use the Start button to Shut Down Windows...? Same reason you press the Start button to switch off current BMWs, Jags etc... Reply to this message | Report message

New Mon 27 May 13 11:01   New meaning for existing words - Cliff Pope

>> The word gay has had its original meaning changed very sharply. >> > I don't think so. It has always had a spectrum of shades of meaning from innocent frolic through to sexual licence sometimes with homosexual undertones. That is quite a common feature of English useage, requiring one to be conversant with all the overt and hidden texts to appreciate the subtle history of words and expressions. For a real eye-opener try the innocent expression "butter wouldn't melt in her mouth". Look it up in a good dictionary of historical slang and you find an origin too disgusting even for an adult forum like this one. Once read, you will never use the expression again, and titter whenever your maiden aunt says it. Another one is the current popularity of the name "Pippa". The name was used by Browning in his poem "Pippa passes", but he made a famous and disastrous error in assuming the meaning of a four-letter word which he rhymed with "hat". He thought it was an article of dress worn by a nun. The poem was published, and then hastily revised. He was thereafter taunted by people breathing the word "Pippa". But all forgotten now, it would seem. Reply to this message | Report message

New Mon 27 May 13 12:14   New meaning for existing words - Meldrew

I note that "Floor" is no longer the surface of a room in a house or building but any level surface anywhere. XYZ was tackled in his own half and fell to the floor with a knee injury, for example Reply to this message | Report message

New Mon 27 May 13 12:24   New meaning for existing words - Armel Coussine

People were calling the ground, road or pavement the 'floor' even when I was a child. They didn't know any better. Do you think this ignorance is spreading Meldrew? I shouldn't wonder. Reply to this message | Report message

New Mon 27 May 13 12:30   New meaning for existing words - Meldrew

Perhaps it was coined by the homeless who sleep on floors, many of which are pavements! Reply to this message | Report message

New Mon 27 May 13 13:27   New meaning for existing words - Zero

>> For a real eye-opener try the innocent expression "butter wouldn't melt in her mouth". >> Look it up in a good dictionary of historical slang and you find an origin >> too disgusting even for an adult forum like this one. >> Once read, you will never use the expression again, and titter whenever your maiden aunt >> says it. I think you would. You have to struggle to find an origin other than the one(s) intended and generally accepted. As it has been for hundreds of years. Reply to this message | Report message

New Mon 27 May 13 13:56   New meaning for existing words - Bromptonaut

>> I think you would. You have to struggle to find an origin other than the >> one(s) intended and generally accepted. As it has been for hundreds of years. Like Z I've not found an explanation greatly different from that normally recognised. Could Cliff provide a link? Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 29 May 13 11:34   New meaning for existing words - Cliff Pope

>> >>Could Cliff >> provide a link? >> Discussed here: english.stackexchange.com/questions/25364/origin-of-butter-wouldnt-melt-in-his-her-mouth I read it in Routledge's Dictionary of Historical Slang. Reply to this message | Report message

New Mon 27 May 13 19:09   New meaning for existing words - Stuartli

>>I don't think so. It has always had a spectrum of shades of meaning from innocent frolic through to sexual licence sometimes with homosexual undertones.>> Er, no....:-) When I was younger we often used to say we had had a gay time or a gay night out - there were no sexual innuendos in any shape of form. It meant we had had a great night out. The word used then in place of today's "gay" was generally "queer" or "queen". Reply to this message | Report message

New Mon 27 May 13 19:36   New meaning for existing words - Dog

Have a gay day Stuart. ;) Reply to this message | Report message

New Mon 27 May 13 20:35   New meaning for existing words - Slidingpillar

No idea if this is correct but it makes interesting reading: www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2010/02/how-gay-came-to-mean-homosexual/ Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 29 May 13 11:40   New meaning for existing words - Cliff Pope

>> No idea if this is correct but it makes interesting reading: >> www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2010/02/how-gay-came-to-mean-homosexual/ >> >> Exactly. It makes my point that a word often has many layers and undertones that come and go over the centuries. Those in one culture use one, side by side with those in another who innocently use another. Gay has always been a word with another side to it, at times upsetting or embarassing for others to discover later. Reply to this message | Report message

New Tue 28 May 13 00:43   New meaning for existing words - Stuartli

>> Have a gay day Stuart.>> Thank you for your kind words...:-) Reply to this message | Report message

New Tue 28 May 13 08:31   New meaning for existing words - Haywain

When I was a child, the word 'hero' was used to describe people like Admiral Nelson; nowadays it's applied to virtually anyone who makes it, for whatever reason, into the media spotlight. Reply to this message | Report message

New Tue 28 May 13 08:55   New meaning for existing words - Dog

Same with fighting men returning from Afghanistan, one or two are heroes in the full sense of the word, most are not. Reply to this message | Report message

New Tue 28 May 13 09:50   New meaning for existing words - L'escargot

Here's 261 people's opinion of the definition of gay. www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=gay Reply to this message | Report message

New Wed 29 May 13 12:10   New meaning for existing words - commerdriver

as one large multinational organisation put it (in a 1931 company song book) We don't pretend we're gay, We always feel that way, Because we're filling the world with sunshine. With xxxxx machines, how things have changes Reply to this message | Report message