1. Plethora:

Contemporary occurrence of word: “A of talent to choose from for : Gomes, Upshaw, Andre Ingram, Josh Magette, Vander, Bari…”

Source: https://twitter.com/gonzosports1/status/706576754295484417

OED definition (in the context of the word’s occurrence above): “Originally in pejorative sense: an excessive supply, an overabundance; an undesirably large quantity. Subsequently, and more usually, in neutral or favourable sense: a very large amount, quantity, or variety.”

The earliest usage of the word in this sense was in 1835 – F. Marryat Olla Podrida xvii, in Metropolitan Mag.  says: “We are..suffering under a plethora of capital.”

However, its earlier appearance was in a medical context. The term itself was first used to describe irregular, biological excess, mostly  negative connotations or associated with unhealthiness. In 1425, “Guy de Chauliac Grande Chirurgie (N.Y. Acad. Med.) If þer were plectorie [?c1425 Paris if he be plectorik, i. fulle; L. si plectoria adesset], he myȝt loueably opne þe veyne.” We can see the way in which it is used in a similar way to the way one would use anemic or diabetic (plethoric). We can understand the way in which the meaning has transformed into simply meaning abundance and excess, but perhaps in a less negative sense. Plethora often implies abundance with goodness or wellness, or as in the contemporary occurrence above, excellence.

2. Girl:

Modern occurrence: https://twitter.com/search?q=%23girl&src=typd – Picture of a particularly feminine person, with long hair and makeup – the photo is captured with: #girltrends.

OED definition: Dating back to the word’s earliest occurrence, the world girl meant “a child of either sex; a young person.” The example given was Thomas Becket: in C. Horstmann Early S.-Eng. Legendary (1887) 108 (MED),   Þe Amirales douȝter was In þe strete þare-oute, And suyþe gret prece of gurles and Men comen hire al-a-boute.

The definition later developed into describing a person with “purely female” parts. Often encompassing a person of any age (mentioned in OED). It’s funny how other definitions include: prostitute, a female servant, or a sweetheart, a girlfriend, or a wife – later used insultingly to describe an “effeminate man,”or “homosexual man.” It’s ridiculous to think about the change such a simple word has gone through. From essentially being something that was used to describe children not including gender, to something so gendered and biased.

3. literally

Modern occurrence: Vote or Die. . This is a twitter post by a person named Source: https://twitter.com/MIABabyFace/status/706286105868554241

(Perhaps this is alluding to the up-coming U.S. presidential elections – who knows.)

OED definition: In a literal, exact, or actual sense; not figuratively, allegorically, etc. First occurrence of this word was in 1429: Mirour Mans Saluacioune (1986) l. 553   Litteraly haf ȝe herde this dreme and what it ment.

Although ironically, in that particular sentence, it would seem as though “litteraly” were meant metaphorically. This word hasn’t gone through much change. Since then it has meant something non-proverbial or non-metaphorical.

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