Tag: #english

Contranyms

How does a language evolve to contain contranyms, i.e., words with opposite meanings (e.g., Bolt – to fasten or to flee quickly)? After all, throughout history there were professional lexicographers keeping track of words and their definitions. A… Read More

Verbal Warnings

“Fore!” “Timber!” “Fire in the hole!” All terms intended to mean “Watch out!”. To the uninformed, confusion is more likely the result, possibly followed by injury. Why such terms are deemed necessary fascinates me. I therefore propose to… Read More