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Poetry · Chapter
LXXVIII explained
A brief reflection on the evolution of language, noting that the word 'foolish' once meant 'fond,' and suggesting that the failure to reverse these meanings is a matter of courtesy.
What happens
A brief reflection on the evolution of language, noting that the word 'foolish' once meant 'fond,' and suggesting that the failure to reverse these meanings is a matter of courtesy.
Key passages
“Of one who was 'foolish' the creators of our language said that he was 'fond.' That we have not definitely reversed the meanings of the words should be set down to the credit of our courtesy.”
The original creators of English used the word 'fond' to describe someone who was foolish. The fact that we haven't completely swapped the meanings of these words is a testament to our politeness.
The chapter comments on semantic drift and the role of social courtesy in preserving linguistic distinctions.