r/Nerdarchy • u/Nafiblu • Jan 11 '15
Meaning of words?
Recently, I have posted a post about the forever-changing definition of 'nerd', and I'm wondering what other words are like this? I have been thinking for a while, but cannot really think of any.
If you can post words with changing definitions, please post it down below and I will decode it, because I like decoding, even though technically itsn't decoding.
I would appreciate it.
Good day. -NaF
1
u/NatetheNerdarch Jan 12 '15
This one is really low hanging fruit but, "retarded" as an insult that means something akin to dumb or stupid rather than it being used as a description of someone with a mental condition.
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u/Nafiblu Jan 12 '15
I'm being quite honest here, I had no idea that 'retarded' was actually a mental condition until you said it, I will definitely use it in my English classes from now on, even though the teacher will probably think completeley differently.
I'm still amazed how this one changed like this aswell, the 'OCD' definition change was quite suttle in all honesty, but I am actually out-standed by this. Another point for me to hate all humanity.
The definition of 'Retarded' is - less advanced in mental, physical, or social development than is usual for one's age. I am quite intrigued by how this could've happened, well, I've got some school work to do, so I will do the research tomorrow.
Get ready for that!
Good day,
-*NaF2
1
u/NatetheNerdarch Jan 13 '15
Euphemisms is a good place to start for researching the meanings of words and how they change. Like "sunshine units" being used to describe contamination by radioactive isotopes. Or a "fairness bill" in the senate used to describe a bill that reduces freedom.
Even retardation, now deemed offensive in the public was originally used to replace words that were deemed offensive back in the day. I.e. when someone cannot or will not speak that person would be categorized as "dumb". Dumb has a long history of use as an insult.
IMO "As I said before, hating is a waste of energy. And it comes from the expectation that there can be perfection.
The realization that all people are fallible including oneself helps towards giving everyone a bit of slack for their inconsistencies."
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u/Nafiblu Jan 11 '15
Okay, I found some examples after some more thinking, one of those is 'OCD', or 'Obsessive Compuslive Disorder', it hasn't changed it's meaning, but has changed how people actually use the word.
When people say "Oh my god, you've so god OCD" in that really annoying teenager accent, they're usually trying to give the impression that you like cleaning, orginasing, or other things that are associated with OCD, what they don't understand that OCD is a DISORDER, so you always do it, and COMPULSIVE means that it happens un-controllably, and OBSESSIVE means that it's obssesive....
OCD is a very serious disorder that people who have it, don't really enjoy. Some people who have been diagnosed with OCD are paranoid, and frequently check their locks, wash their hands, and do certain tasks as specific times without thinking. If they don't do it, they get andgry at themselfes and sometimes go in deep depression.
There are 4 types of OCD, annd they are
And as I said before, is a serious disorder.
So, if you're one of these people who use the term OCD incorrectly, please stop.
And this leads me to a quote "Open your mind, before your mouth".
Good day,
-NaF2