According to the OED the word Diva means a highly distinguished female singer. Maria Callas being an excellent example. Now it seems to mean a woman who thinks highly of herself, has a huge sense of entitlement, can be as rude as she likes as she is a 'diva'. I've heard women refer to their brattish daughters as a 'right little diva' quite proud of the fact. Why are so many words mis-used to such an extent? Another example: we had a corner pub in my area called 'The Hogs Head' it had been there for many years. It was bought out and completely refurbished and given a new name - The Libertine. A libertine is a dissolute person - Casanova being a prime example. I asked the pub manager why had they given the pub such a horrible name. He was amazed that I thought it was a horrible name as didn't libertine mean freedom?
So it appears that quite a few people have no idea about the meanings of many words. Obviously dictionaries are a thing of the past.
Gransnet forums
Chat
Join the conversation
Registering is free, easy, and means you can join the discussion, watch threads and lots more.
Register now »Already registered? Log in with:
Gransnet »
