Friday, 12 February 2016

language change; gender


Spinster - Female

The true meaning of the word spinster is a woman who does spinning for her main occupation. Due to the fact that she was an unmarried women she done this career. The word has now a days of the definition has changed for the semantic shift. Derogation is the negative meaning or connotation that some lexical items have attached themselves to the. However the derogation has changed to the view of a women that no one wants to be with. Therefore it is now believed that a spinster is an unmarried woman, usually an older woman who is past the usual age for marriage. This has a very negative connotation.

Bachelor - Male

The true and old meaning of this word is a young knight, not old enough, or having too few vassals, to display his own banner, and who therefore followed the banner of another; a novice in arms. Therefore due to his youth he was unable to support himself. Therefore Now in the 21st century it has resulted in having the connotations of a man who is not and has never been married. Therefore this may lead him to become one of the country's most eligible bachelors. This has a very positive connotation.

Slag/Slut - Female

The true and old meaning of the word slag is a clear substance, composed of earthy or refuse matter, which is separated from metals in the process of smelting,. It is often used in the construction of roads. Any similar product resulting from the fusion or distillation of other substances. There has been a huge semantic shift with this word as Now in the 21st century it has now resulted in a negative connotation. The word now means a prostitute or sexually promiscuous woman with many different partners. If someone is named this, it has very clear and obvious negative connotations.

Stud – Male

The true and old meaning of the word is the opposite of the female word of slag and slut. Therefore in a building the walls are of ‘studs’, intertwined with twigs or having laths nailed upon them and covered with mud or plaster. Therefore this is a building method. Now a days there has been a semantic shift in the 21st century as the connotations of the word now means the same as the words slag and slut but has more of a positive connotation for men than women. To be called a stud is not common in 2016 but a few years ago it was. Therefore is has the connotations of a male who is popular and appeals with women

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