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Fan

while the word has now been reduced to a synonym of “audience,” it might not hurt to look at related words and at least a few possible origins of the word “fan.” Perhaps recall that it’s often linked to “fanatic,” and fanatic is a touch more intense than “devotee,” “enthusiast,” or “admirer.”

I’m not suggesting that this word be contemplated to excuse bad behavior. It might, perhaps, help explain some of it, though.

Has the word fan moved past its likely origin? Of course.

Does it still hold within it some part of a group which is possessed by unreasoning zeal?

Oh, I suppose.

[from first link, two words given as possible origins of and related to the word fan:

Fanatic

1520s, "insane person," from Latin fanaticus "mad, enthusiastic, inspired by a god," also "furious, mad," originally, "pertaining to a temple," from fanum "temple, shrine, consecrated place," related to festus "festive" (see feast (n.)). Meaning "zealous person, person affected by enthusiasm" is from 1640s. As an adjective, in English, 1530s, "furious;" meaning "characterized by excessive enthusiasm," especially in religion (of Nonconformists), is from 1640s.

Fancy

mid-15c., fantsy "inclination, liking," contraction of fantasy. It took the older and longer word's sense of "inclination, whim, desire." Meaning "the productive imagination" is from 1580s. That of "a fanciful image or conception" is from 1660s. Meaning "fans of an amusement or sport, collectively" is attested by 1735, especially (though not originally) of the prize ring. The adjective is recorded from 1751 in the sense "fine, elegant, ornamental" (opposed to plain); later as "involving fancy, of a fanciful nature" (1800). Fancy man attested by 1811.

Second link is the song Fan Behavior by Isaac Dunbar on YouTube, because why not? *shrug*]

The Evolution of a Few Words

Words are slippery little things, they change their coats and grow new wings. What once was true may now sound odd— A prank by language? A gift from God?

Nice once meant a foolish fool, not someone charming, calm, or cool. To call you nice in days of yore was not a compliment at all, for sure.

Explode meant clapping, loud and grand, a thunderous roar throughout the land. And loud applause? Well, strangely enough, meant, “Hook that actor—the show's too rough!”

If something seemed plausible, they'd say, “It deserves applause!” Hip hip hooray! Not likely, sensible, or probable— just clap-worthy and laudable.

A bully once was a darling dear, a sweetheart you'd hold forever near. “I love that lovely bully,” they'd coo— Quite different from what bullies do.

And buxom? Here's a twist to note: it once meant obedient, not low-cut coats. A dutiful soul who'd do as told, before curves and glamour entered the fold.

To disappoint was not heartbreak's sting, but removing someone from a lofty thing. To appoint or disappoint—that was the game;

Shakespeare would surely approve the claim.

A fizzle was a modest breeze, a quiet escape, if you please. A gentle puff, discreetly sent— Though sadly, not always odorless in intent.

And luxury? Believe it or not, it wasn't yachts or a fancy yacht spot. It meant lust and lechery run amok— “Foul luxurie!” cried the scandalized flock.

As for popularity, here's the twist: it wasn't liked on a social list. It meant democracy's weighty decree— A political matter in 1546, you see.

So words march onward, year by year, growing stranger, shifting gear. Meanings wander, drift, and roam— No word stays forever at home.

And if you think language should stay one way, history laughs and says, “No chance today.”

#poetry #cornelia dedona #photography #creative writing #evolution of words

Today I learned something fascinating!

#japanese language #evolution of words #omega ni dake wa naritakunai

The Word

Far off in the distance; is a word. That word will travel you and all it fall upon to other distant places. That magic word. Far off in the distance; a thought what became a word will become a thought. Chain reactions from thought to words and back to thought. Words… So close to heart. This is the part where the heart beat starts. It’s not; but, it’s the part where you start to know that…