Words That Changed Meaning
1 / 15Many English words once meant something completely different. Can you guess the surprising original meanings of these everyday words?
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The word 'nice' originally came from the Latin 'nescius'. What did it mean?
About Words That Changed Meaning
Give your memory a workout with Words That Changed Meaning: 15 multiple-choice questions aimed at mixed difficulty, free to play right in your browser. Many English words once meant something completely different. Can you guess the surprising original meanings of these everyday words? Expect to spend about 7 minutes; every question comes with an explanation, so you learn something even when you miss.
A few sample questions
1. The word 'nice' originally came from the Latin 'nescius'. What did it mean?
Answer: Ignorant or foolish
2. What did the word 'awful' originally mean in English?
Answer: Inspiring awe or wonder
3. The word 'silly' once meant which of the following?
Answer: Blessed or holy
4. In the 14th century, what did 'naughty' mean?
Answer: Having nothing (naught)
5. The word 'meat' originally referred to what?
Answer: Any food in general
Frequently asked questions
How long does Words That Changed Meaning take?
Most players finish Words That Changed Meaning in about 7 minutes. You can pause between questions, replay it as often as you like, and there is no penalty for taking your time — answers are explained after you submit them.
What's a good follow-up after Words That Changed Meaning?
If you enjoyed this word games quiz, try the Daily Challenge — five rotating questions, refreshed every 24 hours, that count toward your streak. You can also use the Surprise Me button on the homepage to land on a different game type for variety.
Can I print Words That Changed Meaning?
Yes — use the Print button at the top of the page for a clean question sheet, or "Print with Answers" to make an answer key. Printed sheets work well for group play at home, in a classroom, or at a senior center.
Will I lose my progress if I close the page?
Your overall progress — XP, streaks, and badges — is saved in your browser automatically. A quiz that's underway restarts if you leave mid-game, but at about 7 minutes, Words That Changed Meaning fits comfortably in one sitting.
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