Semantic Change

Semantic Change

1. broadening

   • meaning of a word broadens
   • retains old meaning but takes on new meanings as well
   • 'mouse' - not just animal, now computer accessory

2. narrowing

   • opposite of broadening
   • word becomes more specific in meaning, but can also retain old meaning
   • 'meat' meant all food, now animal flesh

3. amelioration

   • a word has taken on a more positive meaning
   • 'wicked' used to mean evil, is now slang for something good

4. pejoration

   • opposite to amelioration
   • words original meaning become less positive
   • 'awful' used to mean worthy of awe, is now not good

5. metaphor

   • words take on new meanings when used in metaphors
   • 'cow' = bitchy female

6. idioms

   • formed from existing words but assume new meanings
   • only properly interpreted when learning what thew whole frame means
   • 'in the dog house', 'over the moon'

7. euphemisms

   • polite way of describing something unpleasant, embarrassing, or socially undesirable
   • more politically correct
   • 'friendly fire', 'passed away'