Phrases that shift over time

[0Scarlett_nidiyilii]

The first time I heard the phrase “special snowflake”, it’s meaning was related to somebody who has an inflated sense of themself. IE yes, each snowflake is unique, but there are still billions of snowflake out there, so they can’t all be special.
Now, a snowflake is referred to somebody who “melts down” too fast when faced with opposition.

The first time I heard the phrase “alternate facts”, it meant the parts of the story that were left out by the media. IE the media reports that Johnny pushed Billy into the mud, but left out the part were Billy punched Johnny first.
Now, alternate facts basically mean lies or misinformation.

Thoughts? Other examples?

 

[JanR]

The meaning of the word “gay” has changed a lot. “Gay” used to mean joyful in a leisurely, almost frolicking way, like having a gay time. Basically, it just meant enjoying oneself, or having fun.

A gay wardrobe referred to casual clothes with bright colors that were fun to look at and fun to wear. And, a gay person was a carefree, lively and fun-loving person.

Today, it almost exclusively refers to a homosexual. I almost never hear the term used in its previous context.

 

[adamhovey1988]

Racist. It used to mean someone that discriminates on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, skin colour, or national origin. Now, it means someone that disagrees with you.