How Meaning of Words Change Throughout the Generations - Research Paper Example

Use of the Word Cool Words develop different meanings and may change from one generation to another especially with slang words. While the meaning of some words may tend to apply the same meaning over one generation to another, others retain the same meaning although with added or road definitions. In some situations a culture or a certain circle may develop the use of a name in a particular concept that I different from others. The only important thing between cultures and particular group settings relates to all members understanding the concept or what a speaker intends whenever quoting that particular word. That indicates that it is common for an individual from outside a circle to get lost when engaging in a discussion from members who belong to the same circles. However, some slang words usage remains almost the same with only acquiring growth in terms of usage across various cultures and group settings. The usage of the words may at times become seasonal where almost every group uses the word at a certain period and then the word gets replaced by another more appealing word. Some slangs may however maintain the same meaning while compared with the dictionary meaning although changes may result over time. The paper examines the usage and meaning of the word cool according to the researcher’s perspective and how the circle that the researcher belongs to uses the word in expressing opinions or reactions. As a student, my circle comprises of students in a few groupings from the academic platform and the extra-curricular platform. As a student, interactions are common with group members and other classmates as most of the day time hours are spent together with other students. On the other hand, as a footballer for the school team, interactions with other team members are evident during trainings and game time. The word cool as used in the two group settings is often used in the two group settings mostly to signify something good. The difference of the meaning of the word is portrayed while examining the result that I attributed to the word cool by these two groups. Consider for example a situation where upon submitting a group representation in the class, our study group scored eighty percent, although the performance was the fifth while compared to the other groups. From citing the performance as cool, the group leader and the group members signified that although the performance was not excellent, it was good. The meaning of the word according to the group setup signifies that cool does not represent the very best and a greater achievement would represent something better than cool. The other example relates to the use of the word cool in the football team concept, cool training and performance are commonly used phrases while referring to good if not very good performance. For example, upon winning a closely contended match, the team members and the coach refer too such a performance as cool. The use of the word cool in that particular setup signifies that an achievement that is regarded as cool does not come about easily. Therefore cool remarks are attributed with hard fought victories. From the two group perspectives and use of the word cool it is evident that the word cool from my circles signify something good that occurs after a significant application of effort. From the circles I engaged in, although a commonly used word, for an action or performance to get recognition as cool, it therefore signifies that such an action or performance must not be an easy task to complete. A focus on the Ox ford English Dictionary (OED) is essential in understanding the meaning of the word cool and the context where the word applies. OED will also help in determining whether my circles usage of the word cool falls in line w6ith what the dictionary indicates or differs slightly or significantly. The OED has put into consideration the changing and varying connotations of the word cool and the subjective nature associated to the word indicating that the definition of the word takes a varied meaning. The word cool and slang cool, is attributed to associations of composure as well as self control that is commonly used to indicate an expression of approval or in some situations to express admiration (Hornby Et Al 2012). Coolness therefore amounts to an admired combination of attitude, behavior as well as appearance influenced by an action or a product that pleases the individual defining such traits as cool (Hornby Et Al 2012). It therefore signifies that a particular aspect may become cool for one individual or a group and receive an equally opposite measure from another individual or group. It is equally important to indicate that the word cool falls under various concepts but the main characteristic is mutability of the word. Since the word usage has taken various generations across many centuries, what is cool changes as time changes and may vary from one generation or culture to another. Although the word lacks a specific definition, attributes of the word usage signifies a positive as well as a desirable trait. While various generations have used cool to represent different ideas and situations depending on the situation at hand a focus of a few uses of the word will enhance in ascertaining how the word usage has changed across generations and time. The first usage relates to cool to represent behavioral characteristics of individuals mostly an attitude expressed by slaves and underdogs during the slave time era. Since engaging in open rebellion would signify application of force among these groups, their ability to maintain silence was attributed as coolness. The second aspect relates to cool as a state of being where living in a situation characterized by peace, harmony and happiness had been attributed as cool to signify lack of violence. The next use of the word cool relates to it as an aesthetic appeal mostly used by intellectuals in fighting against racial discrimination and political persecution across the world. Lastly, the use of the word as a fashion is evidenced through the 1960s to the 1990s generation through production of fashions termed as cool to attract masses. In conclusion, word usage may indicate different meanings from one generation to another or from one group setting to another depending on the situation at hand. The meaning of some words and the context of usage however relates closely with the OED definition despite failure of the users to search for meaning. As evidenced by the word cool a word’s usage changers from one generation to another depending on different generation’s concepts and experience. However, the most significant aspect of consideration relates to the fact that although the word usage may change over time, the meaning of the word fails to deviate. Work Cited Hornby, Albert Sydney, and Anthony Paul Cowie. Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary of Current English. 3rd ed. London: Oxford UP, 2012. Print. Read More