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What spelling, grammar or semantics rules have been lost in your lifetime? (lemmy.world)

submitted 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago) by Dagobah@lemmy.world to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml

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Language is always changing. At one point 'an apron' was 'a napron' while words like 'literally' are no longer literally literal. What are some language battles that have been lost in living memory and what are some others you predict will soon occur?

Edit: Non-english examples very welcome!

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[–] SreudianFlip@sh.itjust.works 4 points 3 days ago

"Reticent" used to mean 'reluctance to speak', or, 'holding your tongue', but in the last decade I saw it being used more frequently as a straight up synonym for 'reluctance'. I wonder if people maybe think it's a more authoritative sounding word?

It's not a change of convenience or cultural drift, just a sign of people reading less and subconsciously trying to hide it, I think.