I am interested in how words are used and changes in usage. For example, the way the word "issues" has

Question

almost completely replaced the word "problems." Also, the rise of the expression "24/7." Also "off load" instead of "unload." Do you get the idea? If you are interested in such things, I would love to hear from you.

Answer 1

Language is always in a constant state of change. One of the main reasons that words change their meaning is the issue of emphasis. Originally, "problems" was a word that inspired deep concern. It was not commonly used, so when it was used in the sense of things that are not in harmony, it had power and force. People cared. However, over time, it's common use meant that it no longer conveyed the emotional charge that it once did. So in order to reinstate an emotional charge to the discussion, a new word was needed. Thus, "issues" becomes the new word to indicate a life out of harmony and to convey the emotional charge again. Eventually, with the common use of "issues" in this sense, it will, like "problems" before it, lose its emotional charge and have to be replaced by something else. This is one of the ways that language is constantly changing. One thing becomes old and a new thing replaces it.

Answer 2

Reasons why the english language is so hard to learn:
1) The bandage was wound around the wound.
2) The farm was used to produce produce.
3) The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.
4) We must polish the Polish furniture.
5) He could lead if he would get the lead out.
6) The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.
7) Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.
8) A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum.
9) When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.
10) I did not object to the object.
11) The insurance was invalid for the invalid.
12) There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row.
13) They were too close to the door to close it.
14) The buck does funny things when the does are present.
15) A seamstress and a sewer fell down into a sewer line.
16) To help with planting, the farmer taught his sow to sow.
17) The wind was too strong to wind the sail
18) After a number of injections my jaw got number.
19) Upon seeing the tear in the painting I shed a tear.
20) I had to subject the subject to a series of tests.
21) How can I intimate this to my most intimate friend?

Answer 3

One interesting fact about an English word I learnt recently was 'cleave'. Apparently, it has two meanings that are total opposites of each other. The obvious meaning is to 'cleave the woodstick apart'. However, it can also be used in the example of 'cleave the woodstick back together'!