13 words that don't mean what they used to

AWFUL. Buxom. Charisma. Inmate. Here are 13 words that now mean something dramatically different to what they used to.

Words can have dramatically different meanings as the years go by. Picture: Thinkstock

BUXOM. Heartburn. Inmate.

While some words keep the same meaning forever, others can change dramatically over a few short years.

Here are the original meanings of 15 words that have now taken on a new life, according to the website MentalFloss.

1. Artificial

Previous meaning: Of or belonging to art.

While it's now quite an insulting remark, calling someone artificial used to be a compliment!

2. Charisma

Previous meaning: A divinely power.

Today it signifies a person's appeal and charm, but the word charisma used to be associated with supernatural elements such as restoring sight to the blind, and performing other miracles.

3. Buxom

Previous meaning: Meek, obedient.

What a rather, ahem, different meaning this word has taken on!

4. Awful

Previous meaning: Deserving of awe.

From one extreme to the other ...

5. Myriad

Previous meaning: 10,000.

Greek mathematicians were rather specific about the meaning of this word, while nowadays it's a much more generalised term to mean "countless or great in number".

6. Ejaculate

Previous meaning: To suddenly and passionately say something; to exclaim

MentalFloss quoted this rather double entendre-filled sentence from Jane Eyre as an example of the word's previous meaning: "The sleepers were all aroused: ejaculations, terrified murmurs sounded in every room; door after door unclosed; one looked out and another looked out; the gallery filled."

7. Heartburn

Previous meaning: Jealousy or hatred.

It may seem like a similar sensation for those suffering from it, but it's definitely not the same thing anymore!

8. Bully

Previous meaning: Lover, sweetheart, wonderful.

The meaning of this Germanic word started to deteriorate in the 17th century to become "harasser of the weak".

9. Inmate

Previous meaning: A person who dwells with others in the same house.

These days, if you called your roomie an "inmate", they wouldn't be thrilled.

10. Dapper

Previous meaning: Heavy-set.

Not exactly a compliment in the olden days.

11. Balderdash

Previous meaning: A frothy liquid.

Would have been a tasty drink while playing the board game version!

12. Terrific

Previous meaning: Terrifying.

Nowadays, few would say: "I just saw a terrific accident on the highway".

13. Brothel

Previous meaning: A low-life.

This word used to describe thieves and cheaters ... wait a minute ...

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