Words That Changed Meaning
Instructions: Many English words once meant something completely different. Can you guess the surprising original meanings of these everyday words?
- 1.
The word 'nice' originally came from the Latin 'nescius'. What did it mean?
AIgnorant or foolishBKindCBeautifulDWealthy - 2.
What did the word 'awful' originally mean in English?
AUglyBTerribleCInspiring awe or wonderDFrightening - 3.
The word 'silly' once meant which of the following?
AClumsyBFunnyCBlessed or holyDYoung - 4.
In the 14th century, what did 'naughty' mean?
AWicked or evilBMischievousCPlayfulDHaving nothing (naught) - 5.
The word 'meat' originally referred to what?
ABread and grainBAnimal flesh onlyCAny food in generalDA feast or banquet - 6.
What did 'girl' originally mean in Middle English?
AA daughterBA young femaleCA young person of either sexDA servant - 7.
The word 'bully' originally meant something positive. What was it?
AA brave leaderBA strong warriorCA generous personDA sweetheart or fine fellow - 8.
What did 'clue' originally refer to?
AA ball of yarn or threadBA whisperCA hidden messageDA footprint - 9.
The word 'villain' originally described what?
AA soldierBA merchantCA criminalDA farm worker or peasant - 10.
What did the word 'terrific' originally mean?
AExtremely largeBFast-movingCWonderfulDCausing terror - 11.
The word 'egregious' once had a positive meaning. What was it?
ARemarkably good or distinguishedBElegantCBraveDGenerous - 12.
What did 'husband' originally mean in Old Norse?
AA warriorBMale spouseCA farmerDHouse dweller or master of a house - 13.
The word 'decimate' originally had a specific meaning related to what?
ADestroying completelyBCutting in halfCKilling one in every tenDBurning down - 14.
What did 'brave' originally mean when it entered English from Italian?
AWild or savageBCourageousCHandsome or showyDLoud - 15.
The word 'artificial' originally meant what?
AMachine-madeBFake or imitationCSyntheticDFull of artistic skill