Words Unravelled with RobWords and Jess Zafarris Can a word be its own opposite? | CONTRONYMS
Aug 7, 2024
Joining the conversation is Robin Mahfood, known for his unconventional job experiences. They explore the intriguing concept of contronyms, like 'cleave,' which can mean both to join and separate. The hosts discuss the quirky world of demonyms, revealing humorous regional nicknames. They also ponder on how eponyms evolve, like sideburns named after Burnside. The dynamic dialogue unveils the playful intricacies of language and invites listeners to reflect on their personal encounters with these fascinating terms.
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Why Contronyms Exist
- Contronyms arise from multiple linguistic processes like homonymy and semantic change, not magic oppositeness.
- Words like cleave, dust, and sanction show different roots or shifting verb meanings produce self-opposites.
How Meanings Drift Over Time
- Semantic bleaching and broadening shift intensity and direction of meanings over time.
- Words like awful, awesome, peruse, and fast changed meaning through amelioration, pejoration, or broadening.
Packaging Ambiguity With 'Shelled'
- Rob recounts seeing a packet labeled "shelled pistachios" that could ambiguously mean shells on or removed.
- He relied on the picture to avoid an unpleasant surprise about the product.