Word that means in the past

Words are an important part of communication. Perhaps, some might argue, the most important part. But words are ever-changing, and what a word means today doesn’t always align with what it meant years ago. In this article, we explore 32 words that have changed meaning over time.

The history of the English language is a long and winding road, leading words to take on new meanings as time has gone by. Some words have retained their original meaning while others have been given entirely new ones. The interesting thing about these changes is that they reflect how society has evolved over the years – from kings ruling kingdoms to computers dominating offices and homes across the globe.

Now, as we face even more societal changes – such as gender identification, cultural appropriation, and inclusion – words that we used to toss about on a daily basis will need to change again.

There are words that were once used to describe people or things in a very different way than they do now. That’s because the English language – and language in general – is a living organism: it changes through time and across cultures in order to reflect the needs of that society. Words that have changed meaning over time don’t usually do so by accident. Or, at least, they didn’t used to.

Sometimes words just take on different meanings as colloquialisms change over time, but often words were given new meaning by those in power – such as monarchs or presidents ruling a country who specified the language used within their domain.

The history of English has a lot to do with power struggles: from kings trying to control their kingdoms with words to tyrants waging wars for global domination. And sometimes words that have changed meaning did so simply because it’s more fun than keeping things traditional. Plus, pop culture plays a role in how words are used as we are increasingly exposed to sayings and meanings that we might never have seen without Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.

If you love words as much as I do, you’ll love some of these Words of Wisdom posts featuring some stunning quotes on various subjects, including:

---

WORDS OF WISDOM – THE BEST QUOTES TO GET YOUR THROUGH YOUR DAY

---

Here we look at 32 words with meanings that have changed throughout history. We also see how these changes represent societal progress over time! Examples include useful words like ‘awful’, ‘unbelievable’, and ‘gay’ but there are many others for your enjoyment too!

The Word Nice

In the past, this word used to mean “simple” or “foolish”. It was meant as a derogatory comment about someone’s less-than-stellar mental capacities. Nowadays, it has a very different – and much “nicer” – meaning.

The Word Silly

The space that Nice used to occupy is now owned by Silly. Today, this is used to refer to someone who is “foolish” or acts in a way that’s immature. However, it comes from an Old English term meaning “blessed”. This word morphed over time from “blessed” to “pious” to “innocent” to “harmless” to “pitiable” to “week” to “feeble” over the course of several centuries.

The Word Unbelievable

This word originated as a contraction of words meaning “not able” and “to believe”. It meant exactly what the word says – unable to believe. In order words, you were accusing the person of lying. However, nowadays it is used to describe something as “very good or impressive”.

The Word Dumb

In the past, this word meant someone who was mute or silent – either by choice or by physical restriction. Today’s meaning relates more to mental state as a dumb person can say a lot of dumb things.

The Word Awful

This is another example of a derogatory term having been transformed from something that used to have positive connotations. Awful meant impressive, great, or worthy of respect (aka Full of Awe), and could be good or bad depending on its usage. Now, something that is awful is never very good!

The Word Fizzle

Fizzle used to be a word that described the sound made by gas escaping from something, such as drinks (or the human body)! The word has since been adopted in English slang and is now used to describe something that fails to perform as expected.

The Word Glamour

To think of something that has Glamour, one tends to think of opulence, such as Hollywood Glamour, but this word was originally used to refer to a magical enchantment.

The Word Mad

Mad is an adjective that meant “insane” or “crazy”, a way to describe someone who had severe mental problems! To ask someone “Are you mad?” had VERY serious potential consequences back in the day. Not only have these meanings softened over time, but “Mad” can now be used in a positive way, such as complimenting someone on their “Mad Skills, bro!”

The Word Sick

In the past, this was a noun meaning someone with a severe illness or disease – it was not used when someone simply felt unwell. Although it is still used in that way today, it has also expanded and has – in recent years – been adopted in English slang to describe something as “cool”.

The Word Wench

Wench is a word that has an interesting and somewhat surprising history. It first came into the English language as words describing children of both genders – it was even used to describe a young boy or apprentice – although it was more commonly used to refer to a female child. It was only later words used to describe female servants.

The Word Fathom

Fathom is a word that was used to describe the act of measurement. To “Fathom” something was to measure it using your outstretched arms to measure something. Now, instead of wrapping your arms around something, it means to figuratively “wrap your mind around” an interesting concept. I can’t quite Fathom how this came to be. However, as with many words that have changed meaning over time, there are still traditional uses of the word, and Fathom is still often used to measure the water’s depth.

The Word Clue

Clue was used to describe a thread or “balls of yarn”. These balls were useful for finding your way through winding passages, and that’s how they started being used to describe a way of finding your way out of a difficult situation. Eventually, it evolved to describe any kind of guide, even something as simple as a hint or a suggestion!

The Word Gossip

Gossip originated from words describing those who sang in the choir. The choir would often gather around and “sing” (gossip) to one another about other members of their community!

The Word Naughty

Although naughty is used to describe children (or adults) who misbehave, that wasn’t always the case. This was used to describe a child too young to speak (had naught words), or those who were poor (had naught or nothing). It wasn’t until later that it was used to describe behavior.

The Word Spinster

In the past, Spinster was used to describe women who spun yarn. This evolved into a new meaning, describing single, working, or unmarried women!

The Word Bachelor

For the variation that applies to single men, the word bachelor originally described a young knight of the lowest rank. It wasn’t until later that this word started being used to describe an unmarried man.

The Word Flirt

Flirt was used to describe something that fluttered or flickered, like a bird’s wings! Now it has a more negative connotation to describe someone who is insincere and attention-seeking, or someone playing with another’s emotions.

The Word Hussy

This is another word that completely changed its meaning over time, as it was originally used to refer to the mistress of a household (aka a housewife). Now, it takes on a much less reputable meaning.

The Word Quell

Back in the day, Quelling something or someone meant to kill it outright, now it takes on a much more subdued meaning (pun intended)!

The Word B*tch

This is another example of an offensive term that has been used in positive ways over time! It derives from the technical term for a female dog, which then transitioned to a derogatory descriptor for someone acting as such. Eventually, it became a generally disparaging description for an unliked female. Although even more recently, it is often used in a friendly way among social gatherings – but use it with caution!

The Word Dork

This is now used as a word to describe someone who is not very cool. However, the word ‘dork’ was originally another term for a male penis. Nowadays, it’s used in a more affectionate way, meaning something or somebody “nerdy” or perhaps even “super smart.”

The Word Maid

This originated in the Middle Ages when it was used to describe a woman who worked in domestic service. This word then evolved into meaning “a sexually pure or innocent young woman” (or old maid, which was meant to reference an older woman who never married and – therefore, it was assumed – remained a virgin). Eventually, it changed back to meaning those who helped with domestic chores.

The Word Senile

Senile was originally used to describe old people in general, but it changed over time to describe someone who has lost some (or all) of their mental faculties with age.

The Word Punk

This word started out life as words referring to a young boy or servant! It could even be related words describing the devil in Christian texts. Nowadays, we use words to describe those who are disaffected or antagonistic… or a type of music.

The Word Gay

Gay started out as describing those who were happy and carefree. It was even used to describe a type of fabric! Now it is used primarily to refer to homosexual men (and sometimes women). However, it further developed into a derogatory and sometimes offensive term to refer to something being “bad” or “stupid”. With the continued LGTBQ+ rights movement, the derogatory usage of the word “Gay” has been reduced substantially over the past few years, but you can still hear people comment that something is “So Gay!” in a negative way.

The Word Nerd

In the past, Nerd described unsophisticated or boorish people, now it takes on a different meaning altogether! It is words describing someone who is overly intellectual or beyond geeky.

The Word Hipster

Although Hipster was originally used to describe someone who wore a specific style of clothing, it has taken on words that relate more specifically to fashion and counter-culture.

The Word Egregious

Egregious was used to describe something that was not common or ordinary. So, if you were distinguished or eminent, you could be egregious. Such as being an egregious doctor. Now egregious behavior is more likely to be considered offensive and unnecessary!

The Word Queue

Queue words originally referred to a tail, and it has evolved into words referring to a line of people. It’s hard to imagine where this will go next, but I’d line up to see that!

The Word Quaint

Quaint was originally used to describe something that was old-fashioned or out of the ordinary. Now quaint has taken on more of a cute and homey meaning, and can often be considered diminutive.

The Word Myriad

Myriad words used to have a specific number, 10,000. So if you had a Myriad of something, you had 10,000 of that particular item. Nowadays, myriad just means a more general sense of quantity, as in having a LOT of something, without specifying a certain number. For example, Art & Home carries a myriad of Tapestry Wall Hangings. If I said this back in the day, it would not be true… as we don’t – quite – have 10,000 of them. Today, with over 2,000 of them to choose from, this word applies.

The Word Scurvy

Scurvy originally referred to someone who was infested with lice, but it has taken on a different meaning altogether! Although still not a pleasant situation, this is one of the words that have changed meaning within a similar category at least.

In Conclusion – Words That Have Changed Meaning

There are plenty of words that have changed meaning over time, and it will continue to happen as time continues to march on.

Words change their meaning as time goes on and as our understanding of the English language changes over time! Although words may seem like they are set in stone without much leeway for variation, it is interesting to note how these words have shifted and can continue to shift with time and context.

And I would not be at all surprised to see these words, and others, continue to change their meanings as time marches onward.

If you know somebody who lives in the past, you might be looking for a word to describe them. We have a few good choices for you that we’d like to share. So, for all your synonym needs, have a read of this article to see what’s available.

There are a few good words we can use when trying to describe someone who is stuck in the past. When they do not want to change or often have a hard time moving forward, you might want to try one of the following:

• Nostalgic
• Backward-looking
• Relic
• Conservative
• Anachronism

The preferred version is “nostalgic.” We can use it as an adjective to describe somebody who is adverse to change because they like the way their current methods (i.e., “the past”) make them feel. It can be hard to convince a nostalgic to move out of the past.

Nostalgic

Let’s start with the best version we can come up with and work our way down. You’ll find a lot of use from “nostalgic,” and it may be the exact word you’re looking for.

Someone who is a “nostalgic” often has a hard time letting go of the past. It’s usually because they enjoy the way certain things made them feel from their past, and they’re often worried that they might lose that or lose touch with those feelings if left for too long.

The definition of “nostalgic,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “feeling happy and also slightly sad when you think about things that happened in the past.”

The word “nostalgic” actually applies mostly to the emotions and feelings one gets related to their past experiences. However, we can also use it to describe a person when we know that they have a hard time letting go.

It will often prevent them from being able to move on and try new things. After all, if they already tried something once and it worked well, why should they have to change it?

Nostalgic people follow the mantra that “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.” Therefore, it would take a lot to move them on from their connection to the past.

Still, you might be interested in a few ways we can use it, and you’ll see how it works in these examples:

• My grandfather is such a nostalgic. I can’t get a word in edgeways about the modern times we live in.
• He’s too nostalgic to take this seriously. He’ll shut it down and blame it on all the younger politicians.
• I don’t mean to be a nostalgic, but I’m having a hard time understanding why we need to change these methods.
• Let’s not be caught up with our nostalgia. It’s time to move on from the practices we put forward before.
• My mother is a nostalgic, and her ideologies are stuck in the past. I wish I could do something to move her past that.

Backward-Looking

Next, let’s look at how we might be able to use “backward-looking.” This hyphenated word is a great choice for somebody who struggles to move on after something in their past.

A “backward-looking” person is opposed to new things. They are so in love with the things that they’ve learned and experienced in the past that they’d be happy to let those things repeat again. They do not feel the need to move past everything that they already understand.

The definition of “backward-looking,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “opposed to change or new ideas.”

Change is scary to most people. There’s no denying that. However, backward-lookers often have such a strong aversion to it that they’d rather not be threatened with it at all.

While change is necessary (and often good), you have to tread carefully when considering the changes you’re about to put forward if you know a backward-looker.

You might benefit from the following examples to help you understand how we might use it:

• Without meaning to sound backward-looking, I don’t understand why we need to change our strategies today.
• You shouldn’t be so close-minded and backward-looking. It’s time that we try something new and impress the masses.
• We’re both stuck in the past with our backward-looking mentalities. We need our children to help us correct that.
• She is the biggest backward-looker I’ve ever met. I can’t even introduce her to the most basic technological advancements.
• Stop being a backward-looker. I’m so sick of hearing you complain about how good things used to be.

Relic

Now let’s go over “relic.” This is a little harsh as an adjective, but we can still use it for exactly the meaning we are looking for here.

If somebody is a “relic,” it means we consider them old and long past their time. We might call someone this when they’ve shown a clear lack of interest to keep up with the present and advancements in society. They often prefer being stuck in the past.

The definition of “relic,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “an object, tradition, or system from the past that continues to exist.”

“Relic” can be a somewhat derogatory term. We often reserve it for those that look the oldest among a population of people. However, we can also use it as a more sarcastic comment to refer to a parent or person we might know who refuses to move on.

Often, relics are like the way things were in the past. They believe that if there wasn’t a problem with the function of something before, why would we ever need to change it in the present?

You might see “relic” work as follows:

• I’m not a relic. How dare you say that! I just don’t like the new system.
• My grandparents are a pair of relics, and it’s so hard to talk to them about any of my modern interests.
• My mother is a relic, and she confiscated my technology because she said she didn’t have it growing up.
• I don’t mean to sound like a relic, but I’m really confused about why we need to do any of this!
• You shouldn’t be such a relic, dad. It’s time you moved on and explored new things!

Conservative

While not the best word to use for the description we’re looking for, “conservative” is still a great way to talk about somebody who struggles with change.

A conservative is often somebody who cannot move on from the past. They struggle to come to terms with changes because they like to keep things the way they always have been. They believe that as long as it works, there is never a need to improve something further.

The definition of “conservative,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “not usually liking or trusting change, especially sudden change.”

If the modern age has taught us anything, it’s that there are always ways to make things more efficient. Therefore, we are constantly changing things and moving on to new advancements and ideas to improve the flow of products.

However, conservatives have a hard time dealing with this. It’s no secret that most people we might think of as “conservatives” are in the older generations. They prefer the way things were when they were young and have no time for the modern marvels we have today.

Here’s how you might see it used:

• This entire neighborhood is filled with boring conservatives who don’t know how to move on from their pasts.
• You’re stuck in the past, and you have such conservative views that I can’t even speak to you!
• I don’t want to share my views with you because I know I’ll be considered a conservative.
• Without meaning to sound too conservative, why can’t things just go back to the way they were before?
• This new system is stupid! I liked the one before. Call me a conservative if you want. It was just better.

Anachronist

Finally, we can cover “anachronist.” It’s a much rarer word to come across for this meaning, but we might be able to use it in some cases.

Calling someone “anachronist” is referring to them as being an anomaly in time. It means they don’t belong in our current period of time, and they must have got lost somewhere in the past.

The definition of “anachronist,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “a person, thing, or idea that exists out of its time in history, especially one that happened or existed later than the period being shown, discussed, etc.”

Of course, time travel isn’t real, but that doesn’t mean the word “anachronist” doesn’t work. It’s mostly used as a sarcastic adjective to refer to somebody who is stuck in the past and doesn’t understand any of the modern workings of the world.

Here’s how it looks:

• I’m certain that my father is an anachronist. He doesn’t get any of my tech!
• My entire family is full of anachronists. I don’t understand why they don’t get me.
• Stop being an anachronist and help me get to the bottom of why this new system imploded.
• You shouldn’t be such an anachronist in front of your children. That kind of thing will make them resent you.
• I’m trying to stop being an anachronist, but I prefer my past comforts to how things work today.