Buzz
The English language is always in flux, and many familiar words have meanings that have significantly shifted over time. These are everyday words we often overlook, but at some point, their interpretations took a dramatic turn. Some made a complete reversal, while others took on strange new meanings, yet they all started out with entirely different definitions.
10. Moody
Most of us have probably been labeled as “moody” during our teen years, but if we had lived before the 16th century, this label might have had a completely different implication… unless you were incredibly courageous. In earlier times, “moody” referred to someone who was strong-willed or brave. A prime example of this is Joan of Arc, who in 1429 led the French in driving out the Anglo-Burgundians and forcing them to retreat across the Loire River—a truly courageous, or “moody,” act.
The word “moody” comes from the Old English term modig, meaning “brave,” “proud,” or “high-spirited.” It wasn’t until the 1590s that “moody” took on the meaning we know today, describing someone who is gloomy or sullen.
9. Artificial
In modern times, when we hear the word “artificial,” we typically associate it with something fake or unnatural. You might think of artificial fruit, or perhaps recall the moment your dentist mentioned artificial teeth… probably after you broke your tooth on that artificial fruit.
And then there’s artificial intelligence, a widely-used term in the science fiction world for decades. However, the original meaning of “artificial” had no connection to anything fake or man-made. Instead, it was actually used as a term of praise.
In the late 14th century, if someone was described as “artificial,” it meant they were extremely skilled. Similarly, if an object was considered “artificial,” it was seen as something made with great artistry. It wasn’t until about a century later that “artificial” adopted the meaning we use today.
8. Bully
When most of us hear the word “bully,” we picture a cruel person who robs kids’ lunch money or waits by lockers to dish out atomic wedgies. However, centuries ago, the meaning of “bully” was quite different. In the mid-16th century, “bully” came from the Dutch word boele, which meant “lover.”
Surprisingly, “bully” was once a term of affection. It could be used for both men and women, as a loving nickname exchanged between lovers. The word didn’t take on its harsh, intimidating connotation until the late 17th century, likely because it began to refer to a violent protector of prostitutes, or a pimp.
7. Nice
Typically, the word “nice” is considered a compliment. However, back in the late 12th century, being called “nice” was far from flattering.
In ancient times, “nice” actually meant “foolish” or “stupid.” Not exactly the kind of term you’d want to hear! By the 13th century, “nice” evolved to mean “timid,” and by the 14th century, it could even mean “careful.” But it wasn’t until the 18th century that the word transformed into the kind and pleasant term we use today, and it’s been used endearingly ever since.
6. Sad
We all experience sadness from time to time—it's a natural part of life. Whether it's losing a loved one, missing out on a big promotion, or finding that the grocery store is out of your favorite Hawaiian Punch flavor, these are just a few of the things that can leave us feeling down.
But once upon a time, the word “sad” had a completely different meaning. In the 1300s, it was the perfect word to describe the feeling after eating too much at dinner. This is because “sad” is derived from the Old English word saed, which means “sated.”
Over the years, the meaning of “sad” shifted to imply “heavy,” then “tired,” before finally becoming the word we associate with sorrow today. Interestingly, when “sad” evolved to its current meaning, it actually replaced the Old English word unrot, which was the opposite of rot and meant “cheerful” or “glad.”
5. Fizzle
Today, when someone uses the word “fizzle,” they’re usually referring to a real failure or something that didn’t work out as expected. However, back in the 1530s when the word was first used, “fizzle” meant “to break wind without noise.” Since that’s quite a challenge, “fizzle” must have been a rather rare expression.
It wasn’t until the 1800s that the word “fizzle” evolved to mean “failure.” So, how did this shift happen? It started back in the early days of college, where “fizzle” became slang for someone who failed to answer a professor’s exam question. Like many slang terms, “fizzle” soon turned into an insult, and the new meaning spread quickly.
4. Prestigious
The word “prestigious” isn’t one that’s tossed around lightly. It’s reserved for those who truly deserve it—people who inspire respect and earn our admiration. But you might be surprised to learn that until the 19th century, “prestigious” was actually used in a derogatory way.
When “prestigious” first emerged in 1540, it was used to describe someone who practiced magic. You might wonder, “What’s so bad about that?” Well, back then, magic wasn’t seen as a fun performance. Parents didn’t hire magicians for kids' parties. Instead, those who practiced magic or illusions were considered deceitful tricksters, untrustworthy figures.
It wasn’t until later, when magic began to be seen as a form of entertainment, that the meaning of “prestigious” shifted. As people started to enjoy the illusions rather than being angry about them, “prestigious” gained a more positive connotation, which is why it’s such a high compliment today.
3. Silly
We all have our silly moments from time to time—it adds a bit of fun to life when we embrace the lighter side of things. But while we often associate silliness with playful characters like the Trix Rabbit, the word originally comes from the Old English word gesaelig, meaning “prosperous.” As time passed, “silly” evolved, and by the 13th century, it was used to describe someone as “innocent.”
About a century later, the meaning of “silly” changed again, this time taking on the meaning of “weak.” It wasn’t until around the 1570s that “silly” found its final resting place, adopting the meaning of “foolish” or “lacking reason.” This definition has stuck around for nearly 500 years, and it looks like it’s here to stay—for now.
2. Clue
If you’ve ever watched an episode of Scooby-Doo, you’re probably well-acquainted with the word “clue.” After all, the gang is always on the hunt for clues to solve the latest mystery.
Back in the 1590s, “clue” wasn’t the word you’d use for a problem or mystery. In fact, it was spelled “clew” and referred to a ball or thread of yarn. This may seem like a strange shift in meaning, but there’s a logical explanation for how it happened.
The modern definition of “clue” comes from the ancient Greek myth of Theseus. The mythical king was trying to escape the Labyrinth, and Ariadne, who was fond of him, gave him a ball of thread (or “clew”) to help him find his way out. This is how the word “clue” shifted to its current meaning.
1. Awful
The word “awful” is one of the few on this list that really should have stuck with its original meaning. Today, it means “bad” or “terrible,” but at one time, it meant “awe-inspiring” or “full of awe.” If something was “awful,” it was something that commanded respect or even fear. Interestingly, the word “awesome” originally had a similar meaning, but over time, the meanings of “awesome” and “awful” have completely flipped, now being opposites.
How did the word “awful” come to mean what it does today? In 1809, it started to take on the same meaning as the Old English word egefull, which means “very bad.” Essentially, “awful” evolved from describing revered kings and gods to now being used for things like criticizing a friend’s cooking or a less-than-great haircut.
