On The Emotional Coloring Of Words And Phrases (II)
In fact, the commendatory and derogatory meaning of a word is often evolved. As in Chinese, the word “小姐” means a girl born in a noble family which often has a high social rank in the ancient times. Those girls born in a poor family have no qualification to be called as “小姐”. But, later, this word is generally being used widely. Any young girl can be called “小姐”, and contains a meaning of respect to her in the past. And for nowadays, you can never easily call a girl “小姐”, because this word has already have a kind of meaning equaling to prostitute. Only in a very serious occasion, can you say this word to a young girl. Or you may be punished by her palms for saying this word. What a surprise change it is from the noble girl to the prostitute! There are many such words being changed with the evolution of human civilization.