That’s Egregious!
A word that should mean the opposite of what it means!
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I think this is the nicer of the two ways you can interpret this word. I’ve been using it for years, in a positive way, as “Outside the flock”. I could see how it would be considered a bad word, as there is nothing worse for a sheep than to be outside of its’ flock. But, for a non-sheep, it’s a good thing!
A really good and interesting lesson, with so many great responses!
flocking good…a Random Lesson…general government and HOTFORWORDS is promoted to HIGH CcOoNnGgRrEeSsSs representationHhOoTtFfOoRrWwOoRrDdSs :lol:
[conspicuous]…Invalid Unicode value in one or more parameters…your “tweet this” is not working…question?.. would that be considered an [application plug in]? [flagrant]
hahahaha that chipmunk bit is priceless, I’m bookmarking this page by itself. It’s the fastest who gets paid indeed. Sounds like something the hotforprofits girl would say.
funny :lol:
hahaha! So many great responses ! Ok here’s a word I would like you to expound upon! “Sue” Like, i am going to Sue You! Hugs always!
Watched the Texas primary democratic debate and I think Hillary must be a subscriber. She used egregious in one of her responses and I don’t think Obama new what it meant. I wouldn’t have either before your lesson. So thanks Marina for making even a west coast Canadian more politicaly aware. Canadian politics can be boring.
Warning I think Hillary may try to come after your fan base, are you worried?
That’s funny BillyB! I’d be more than happy to help out any candidate with word they can use on their campaign :smile:
Haha, in your insults you said ka ka kanker.. kanker is dutch for cancer.. Which is an insult
out takes not insults :grin:
I think Hillary may try to come after your pot, are you worried? hahaha ;P
I am still thinking about antagonyms. I’ve wondering about the process by which a word can develop two seemingly opposing meanings. As I was looking at word lists I realized that many of them aren’t actually in opposition if understood correctly. Such as the word “bound”. As in “bound or bounding toward something” and “bound and unable to move”. When I began to think of the word as meaning, “inextricable” the seemingly opposing meaning of “bound” began to make sense. The word “inextricable” means inseparable or inescapable. So “bound” or “bounding” in a sense is a destined unifying action (inescapable) between two objects that are ultimately unified as one system (inseparable). The meanings of the word “bound” aren’t so antagonistic. Objects that are bounding toward each are drawn to each other in a way that defies constraint. So why is this so fascinating to me? Because now when I describe my children as bounding toward my wife it means more to me than it had before as just “bouncing”. Which is why taking the time to examine the words we use is so important. Thanks Marina.
buzzword
FYI
I am the fastest…… :idea:
I would be interested to know the derivation of the phrase “off your rocker”. What does sitting on a rocker have to do with one’s sanity? Also where does the term “bonkers” come from?
hi Marina
The word Barbarious started out as meaning “to not speak english” but now has turned to meaning horrible or thirsty or a name for someone uncivilized; How did this happen?
well i know because of the hip hop scene,…there are several words that have been flipped and abused …lol
dope
sick
bomb
bad
ill
stoked
fresh
I’m sure my kids could come up with a book full of words , that have been flipped !…lol
plus i would like to know if SYON,..means what i think it does , and if it is spelt right !…
mike.
Ahoy, Marina,
I have just stumbled across your web site and YouTube channel and, twenty years after the last time and after swearing it would never happen again, I have fallen in love!
A thumbnail of your face appeared at the end of a series of videos I was watching and, naturally, I had to check out such egregious pulchritude.
If Helen of Troy’s face was said to have launched a thousand ships, yours has launched a thousand Marinas full of pleasure craft – not to mention the occasional NLG bulk carrier
(go to http://www.meisei-kogyo.co.jp/HDA6.JPG
or http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/images/tanker-lng-image101.jpg
to see what I mean – Sorry, I couldn’t resist)
OK, Homework.
You asked for words which have flipped their meaning and now mean the opposite of what they used to mean – well, a word which applies to you in its new meaning is FOXY, meaning a hot, sexy, attractive girl, BUT, in the OED the meaning is somewhat less flattering, mentioning slyness, craftiness, sourness of beer and wine and alluding to “various defects of colour and quality resulting from age, damp, improper treatment etc”. Also in the various thesauri it is associated with deceit, dishonesty and cunning as well as strong and/or evil smells.
How come such a word came to be used for something as desirable as a beautiful woman? Were the people who coined this new meaning being ironic?
And another thing – As a dog lover, you must be puzzled by why a beautiful woman is a Fox whereas an ugly one is a Dog?
Could it have something to do with the size and shape of the Tail?
Which reminds me of a linguistic Limerick :-
On the bosom of young Abigail
Was written the price of her tail
Whilst on her behind
For the use of the Blind
Was the same information in Braille ;-)
Looking forward to your next videos,
Your devoted student
Bob
Hello Marina,
I wish to request the word ” Spontaneous”, where did this word originate?
Thanks
Ags429 ( Tony )
These English words are antagonyms:
Hysterical
Goods
Awful
Sick
Counterfeit
Avocation
Livid
Trim
Skin
Terrific
Fearful
Cool
You requested words that have become the opposite of their archaic usage. This would exclude antagonyms, correct? Since both opposing meanings are still in use. How about this, “In the past we were rivals but now we are antagonists.”
buzzword
How about the word ” Ducky ” as in ..How are you today? Reply..” Just Ducky “! Or sarcasticly…Just freekin’ Ducky! Or…She’s Ducky! Or That’s Ducky! :?:
Teacher,
Great lesson!! 5 Stars all the way!! Your Chipmunk voice was so funny….
I have not seen a V- word yet how about the Origin of Voluptuous?
Ulcer
P.S You are hotter than Molten Lava!!!!
Es tÄ Ä«sti nesaprotu,kÄda jÄ“ga no viņas stundÄm?Visi skatÄs tikai tÄdēļ,kad viņa ir simpÄtiska :eek:
Hello Marina,
How about the word “Gewgaw”? I think you could have some interesting demonstrations as you tell the world about its origin and meaning…
Thanks-
Can I ask for the origin of “hard luck”
Hello Marina,
This lesson was egregious! 5 stars!
At the end of your videos you’ve been telling us abbout your Valentines Day card, which sparked some questions. Where did we get the word “valentine” from, why did we name a whole day after it, and why did people choose Feb 14 for valentines day? (in the US atleast)
Thanks!
i would be interested in the meaning of the word “abreast” is this related to a ladies breast as they are side by side such as “the cars were parked two abreast?”
how about keeping abreast of a situation???
Hello Marina!
Since Valentines Day is comming up I was thinking do the word “Love” or maybe the word “Valentine”.
Lots of Love
Willie
Another great lesson, Marina; thanks! :smile:
I would absolutely love to learn the origins of the word “facetious”. For some strange reason I couldn’t begin to explain, I love the word and use it often. Most people, however, claim to not know what it means; which is another reason I’d like to see it featured – such a unique-sounding, funky word deserves some exposure.
Thanks!
all right you had already done my last word so darn but I have another one
“Snollygoster”
I’m subscribed to both your YouTube channel and your e-mails :wink:
My word request is…
*dun dun dun*
“Existential”
It’s a philosophy term. Hope you select it. It doesn’t exactly make a catchy headline though, so I’m not sure if it will be :P
A word that has flipped it’s meaning, individual.
buzzword
Good lesson. I like this site. :grin: A beautiful, intelligent women helping me re-improve my vocabulary. :cool: I love it. I also love your English. It is nearly perfect. :smile:
Can’t wait for another lesson. :smile:
I really wish I could give you a hug. :sad:
Hello ,
Dear Marina , I’m all new , incoming , but still ///
First thanks to making me move ” Hot” Forward ;)
Second here’s my request for one of your next lesson , dear teacher :
Why do American Call Frenchfries : Frenchfries ?
§I’m French and I was told that , what we call ” Frite “in french , ( so frenchfries ) , were born in Belgium ?
Could you please light me up on this point ?
You make great Job , and I do hope that one day , all the pretty girl like you in the world will love brain instead of money , and then make intelligence a priority instead of owning things .
Your brend new french correspondant .
Bakila
I didn’t do my Homework , i’m a bad student sit on the back in the class :
However , i’m french and just a beginner in englich but O think i understand what you were looking for in answer for our homework .
I found a Word , but , particulary in my country , it reallys not means something wrong , but people do think that he have a bad meaning .
That’s “criticism” , i’m may be out of the subject , because it’s the way people heard this word that makes it confusing .
Because a criticism always sound like something wrong we are telling about soemthing or womeone and people forget that there can be Positive criticism .
That’s all , hope i’m not far from a … D
Sorry for the double submit , this won’t happen next time .
Lot of kiss , full of love and tenderness .
Him
where does the word apartheid come from?
it is used very common in english, but it doesn’t same english. the same goes for gesundheit.
“gesundheit” is german.
“gesund” is an adjective, meaning “healthy”.
the very productive suffix “-heit” is used to generate / derive nouns.
Hey I have a great idea for ya, I see you have an ad on Sexydesktop, well why not have a few of your pics there with you website with the pic?
Free ad for ya
XOxoxo
Love the words, adore the speaker. May I offer a few suggestions. The annual HotForWords, talking, scratch ‘n’ sniff calendar. A different word and a different perfume for each month. Press the logo for the audio and then scratch it for the favorite perfume of our trusty sensei. And I know a vintner who would happily bottle a special HotForWords pinot noir. Drinking it doesn’t make the people around you sound more intelligent, but after a bottle or two, you don’t really care. And do you suppose Campbell’s could do HotForWords alphabet soup.? You don’t eat it, you just sit and watch the little noodles as they swirl about to form words. You are marketing gold mine.
Dear Marina,
I have a conundrum for you, could you work out the meaning of:
You are a “Doctor” with a “Cowardice”, “Amusing”, “Awful”, “Artificial” flow, that “To sow seed” would be television that I view.
I would be most grateful if you would help me out on my quandary, please!
Your great dear lady, and I love the chip monks!
Hey, many thanks for yet another great lesson, I hope for many more to come!
I wanted to throw in a word request for the word ‘cheese!’ as you often use when taking a photo of someone. How was it that we started to use that perticular word?
Looking forward for the next lesson!
Regards,
myth – am I real or just a legend? :razz:
Bravo budda man, I’m gonna rub you for good luck in little while….. :oops:
Hello, I watch your show all the time and I think it is about time I as for you to tell all of us what the word Snot is? I hope you consider this thank you
Speeder91176
Marina,
I noticed that you do not have any words that start with the letter “V” on your word list. I have the perfect “V” word for you. Can you please do a video on the origin or history of the word “Valentine” as it seems appropriate given the time of the year. Anyway, I thought this would be a good idea.
Pajoric
“boisterous” went from lame to loud and noisy.
That reminds me of another word request:
Is there a connection between “vulgar” and “vulva”?
Hi Marina -
My answer to your homework assignment will be brief this time. Sorry I was carried away by the last one.
I was thinking about words whose meanings have changed over the years, such as “egregious.” The first one that came to mind was “bad.” Obviously, “bad” means, “not good in any manner or degree” among other negative meanings. However, secondarily, “bad” as come to mean “good” in certain circumstances, such as when someone says, “that’s a bad motorcycle!” meaning that the motorcycle is really very good.
And, a la mode, in English originally meant, I think, “fashionable,” but now means “with ice cream” (like, pie a la mode).
Let’s see … what about the word “Asian?” Originally, that mean “originating on the continent of Asia,” but now means just “originating from southeast Asia” (or, the archaic usage of “oriental”).
I think a better one might be “notorious” — I think that originally meant just “widely known” and now means more like “infamous” or “unfavorably known.” That’s almost the same flip as was made by “egregious” which was “rising above he flock” but then became “exceptionally bad.”
What about the word “officious?” I think that originally meant just “eager or dutiful,” and now has a negative connotation of offering advice or services when it is not wanted.
Oh, how about “sycophant?” That was something like “informer” or “a person that shows or tells.” Now, it has the negative twist of a person who is self-serving and servile..
I hope I win the gold star for extra credit on my homework.
Eric
“Ditto” jcnicks comment… so here are my words again:
“Brave” and “Knight” – Brave Night.
I was reading a little this morning about “morphology” and “Morphemes”; about how the pieces of words can lead to meaning changes. The words, Brave and Knight, however, don’t seem to have pieces (morphemes), so what usually causes words like these to change?
“brave’” and “knight” are monomorphematic words. they’re free morphemes. they’re morphemes themselves.
a word can change its meaning i.e. by derivation. that means, a free morpheme is combined with a bound morpheme. bound morphemes have no meaning. not a semantic one, anyway. free morphemes do.
dis- + mount –> dismount
does that help?
errr … replace “i.e.” by e.g.”. sorry.
btw: “antidisestablishmentarianism” is a great example of how derivation (i.e. adding prefixes and/or suffixes to a word) can change the word’s meaning:
establish + -ment –> establishment
establishment + -(t?)arian –> establishmentarian
establishmentarian + -ism –> establishementarianism
dis- + establishmentarianism –> disestablishmentarianism
anti- + disestablishmentarianism –> antidisestablishmentarianism
[ anti [dis [[[[establish] ment] arian] ism]]]
seems like her derivation is a different one but I guess you can argue for both of them.
as for the meaning change of monomorphematic words:
a group of people are refering with the word x to an entity A (like “cat” refers to a furry thing with four legs, two ears and so on). maybe one of them uses x to refer to a different entity B. now, there’s two possibilties. other people pick up on that — or they don’t. if they do there’s a change. right?
that’s kind of broad but you get the idea. there might be other ways how a word’s meaning can change. but this is one of them.
I think it would be fun if Marina said “monomorphematic” 5 times fast in her next vid.
So alx, I get what your saying, but the word “Brave” once meant “cowardess or cowardly”. Now it means something else and the meaning changed without adding a suffix or prefix. So this change is not the result of “morphology”, but some other circumstance – one that I want to know more about.
uh, right. I tried to explain it in my third reply. that one’s not about morphology. ;)
yeah, great idea to let her say “monomorphematic” five times fast. want to hear that too. :D
Ya deffinately wanna see that
Hello Marina,
I listened to your latest presentation on ‘You Tube’ where I left a comment, however I want to leave this request on here because I want to support your site and I like the way you seduce me with your suggestive body language.
Request:
Some people are pretty silly in their lives, ‘Pretty’ & ‘Silly’ started out having different meanings, could you fill in the gaps, please!
Your great, keep up the good work, till I hear from you, jcnick.
Hello Marina:
Geat lesson, five stars :mrgreen:
i want to request the origin of the word: apple because its my favorite fruit (apples from argentina are great! an delicious of course) and because i use a Mac Pro (Apple Inc rules!) :razz:
i hope to the see the word in one of your videos.
i apologise for eventual grammar mistakes of my message because i am not a native speaker of english, and i use other kinds of characters.
Greetings
iFranco, (i am logged as Hitman but i prefer my real name to sign)
please subscribe the word “germany” :roll: ;)
Prey and pray
sound the same but two totally different meanings.
Keep up the Great videos, I learn something after I watch them a few times and start paying attention to your lesson.
Wow