Words can have dramatically different meanings as the years go by. Picture: Thinkstock
Source: ThinkStock
BUXOM. Heartburn. Inmate.
While some words keep the same meaning forever, others can change dramatically over a few short years.
Here are the original meanings of 15 words that have now taken on a new life, according to the website MentalFloss.
1. Artificial
Previous meaning: Of or belonging to art.
While it's now quite an insulting remark, calling someone artificial used to be a compliment!
2. Charisma
Previous meaning: A divinely power.
Today
it signifies a person's appeal and charm, but the word charisma used to
be associated with supernatural elements such as restoring sight to the
blind, and performing other miracles.
3. Buxom
Previous meaning: Meek, obedient.
What a rather, ahem, different meaning this word has taken on!
4. Awful
Previous meaning: Deserving of awe.
From one extreme to the other ...
5. Myriad
Previous meaning: 10,000.
Greek
mathematicians were rather specific about the meaning of this word,
while nowadays it's a much more generalized term to mean "countless or
great in number".
6. Ejaculate
Previous meaning: To suddenly and passionately say something; to exclaim
MentalFloss quoted this rather double entendre-filled sentence from Jane Eyre
as an example of the word's previous meaning: "The sleepers were all
aroused: ejaculations, terrified murmurs sounded in every room; door
after door unclosed; one looked out and another looked out; the gallery
filled."
7. Heartburn
Previous meaning: Jealousy or hatred.
It may seem like a similar sensation for those suffering from it, but it's definitely not the same thing anymore!
8. Bully
Previous meaning: Lover, sweetheart, wonderful.
The meaning of this Germanic word started to deteriorate in the 17th century to become "harasser of the weak".
9. Inmate
Previous meaning: A person who dwells with others in the same house.
These days, if you called your roomie an "inmate", they wouldn't be thrilled.
10. Dapper
Previous meaning: Heavy-set.
Not exactly a compliment in the olden days.
11. Balderdash
Previous meaning: A frothy liquid.
Would have been a tasty drink while playing the board game version!
12. Terrific
Previous meaning: Terrifying.
Nowadays, few would say: "I just saw a terrific accident on the highway".
13. Brothel
Previous meaning: A low-life.
This word used to describe thieves and cheaters ... wait a minute ...
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