Editor’s Perspective: Evolving language

The English language is constantly evolving, and not necessarily in a good way.

The etymology of English shows it started as a bastardisation of numerous other languages, mainly European in origin. Adding to that now are digital era abbreviations, common usage dictates, and a general lack of word knowledge and appropriate usage.

For example, recently I came across the word ‘lush’ used with a story inviting people to visit an inner city bar. Lush to many people today is a form of plush, yet for older generations it is also a term for a person who drinks too much, making it inappropriate use in that context.

Many words have their origins in history, and aren’t necessarily relevant today, or have evolved with new meanings. Once, the word gay meant being happy, but for 60 plus years, it has been commonly used as another word for homosexual.

New words are being invented all the time, and old words are being made redundant. We talk differently to children and adults, and writing is the same; different words and terminolgy for various ages and topics, including new generation words. That aside, those words still need to be appropriate in their contextual setting.

The continuing decline of etymology as a linguistic discipline is no surprise, yet we should still be aware of the variety of true meanings of words we use. If we don’t know their proper contextual meaning, how can we expect others to?

Enough said, enjoy the read. You’ll see a smoker is not just someone puffing on a cigarette anymore; it’s also a delicious form of cooking.