Over time and place, languages change often. Words and phrases evolve throughout generations and social groups. The word post first emerged from the Old English language, but with time the meaning has varied. Post shows up in the Bible, works of Shakespeare, and other writings. This word has also been used by Saint Augustine and appeared in the magazine US Weekly. Post emerges all over the world and in various contexts. Not only is there the present day definition, but also synonyms, antonyms, slang, and unusual meanings.
When reading a book, someone does not wonder about how a word came about and the history of it (the word). If someone would dare to read the fine print of the Oxford English Dictionary, they would be able to find where the …show more content…
This word has evolved over centuries, and believe it or not, some of the definitions have remained the same. The original meaning of the word post is a stout piece of timber, or other solid material, of considerable length, and usually of cylindrical or square shape, used in a vertical position, especially in building as a support for a superstructure (“Post” 177). Oddly enough, the definition of this word has not changed that much. The most current definition is a piece (as of timber or metal) fixed firmly in an upright position especially as a stay or support (“post” Dictionary.com). Yes the definitions are very alike, but new uses of the word have been made, also. Examples of this are an online post, a display (a notice) in a public place, and to put notices on or in. The archaic definition is not far off from the new definition, but that does not mean that some attention grabbing slang meanings did not appear. In the 1980’s, the phrase, “go postal” meant to lose control of ones-self, or to go crazy (“Historical Dictionary of American Slang”). Along with the new slang terms, there were synonyms and antonyms. Synonyms for post are the words panel, pole, column, leg, and prop. An antonym post is the word unemployment (“post” Roget’s 21st Century). Also, there are well-known phrases associated with post like the postal service, being posted up, and a goalpost. With all of these definitions, synonyms, antonyms, and slang meanings, one of the many are ought to make its way into society
When reading a book, someone does not wonder about how a word came about and the history of it (the word). If someone would dare to read the fine print of the Oxford English Dictionary, they would be able to find where the …show more content…
This word has evolved over centuries, and believe it or not, some of the definitions have remained the same. The original meaning of the word post is a stout piece of timber, or other solid material, of considerable length, and usually of cylindrical or square shape, used in a vertical position, especially in building as a support for a superstructure (“Post” 177). Oddly enough, the definition of this word has not changed that much. The most current definition is a piece (as of timber or metal) fixed firmly in an upright position especially as a stay or support (“post” Dictionary.com). Yes the definitions are very alike, but new uses of the word have been made, also. Examples of this are an online post, a display (a notice) in a public place, and to put notices on or in. The archaic definition is not far off from the new definition, but that does not mean that some attention grabbing slang meanings did not appear. In the 1980’s, the phrase, “go postal” meant to lose control of ones-self, or to go crazy (“Historical Dictionary of American Slang”). Along with the new slang terms, there were synonyms and antonyms. Synonyms for post are the words panel, pole, column, leg, and prop. An antonym post is the word unemployment (“post” Roget’s 21st Century). Also, there are well-known phrases associated with post like the postal service, being posted up, and a goalpost. With all of these definitions, synonyms, antonyms, and slang meanings, one of the many are ought to make its way into society