meaning shift
[ˈmiːnɪŋ ʃɪft]
nounpl: meaning shifts
deslocamento de significado
1. A change in the meaning or interpretation of a word, phrase, or concept over time or in different contexts
The meaning shift of the word 'gay' from happy to referring to sexual orientation occurred gradually over the 20th century.
O deslocamento de significado da palavra 'gay' de alegre para referir-se à orientação sexual ocorreu gradualmente ao longo do século XX.
2. In linguistics, the semantic change whereby a word acquires a different or extended sense
A meaning shift is often studied in historical linguistics to understand language evolution.
Um deslocamento de significado é frequentemente estudado na linguística histórica para entender a evolução da língua.
3. The alteration of a word's connotation or denotation within a specific discourse or cultural context
Social movements can cause a meaning shift in terminology used to describe marginalized groups.
Movimentos sociais podem causar um deslocamento de significado na terminologia usada para descrever grupos marginalizados.
This term is primarily used in academic and linguistic contexts in both Brazil and the USA. It reflects the study of language evolution and is particularly relevant in discussions of social change, where words like 'queer,' 'cancel,' or 'woke' exemplify modern meaning shifts influenced by social movements and digital culture.
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