Semantic Change Flashcards
1
Q
Give an example of AMELIORATION
A
Nice (meant silly)
Wicked (meant bad)
2
Q
Give an example of DEROGATION
A
Hussy (meant housewife)
Knave (meant boy)
3
Q
Give an example of SEMANTIC SHIFT
A
Fit (means ready or good looking)
Hot (good looking)
Partner
To surf (the internet or the sport)
4
Q
Give an example of a METAPHOR
A
Head up your own arse Cash cow (buisness term - success)
5
Q
Give an example of WEAKENING
A
Dreadful
Bastard
Flu
Starving
6
Q
Give an example of STRENGTHENING
A
Decimate (meant reduce by 10%)
7
Q
Give an example of BROADENING
A
Motor (was just engine, now it means a car)
8
Q
Give an example of NARROWING
A
Apple (meant all fruits)
P.C (meant all computers)
9
Q
Give an example of a METONYM
A
Downing Street
The Crown
The White House
10
Q
Give an example of EUPHEMISM
A
Baby Blues
Pass away
Climate Change
