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The mis-use of the word Diva

(27 Posts)
dorsetpennt Sat 23-Mar-13 14:41:34

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.

absent Sun 24-Mar-13 19:28:58

POGS This has been one of those contentious subjects on GN before – at least twice, I think. I think anno is right that only a very few soldiers are actual heroes, although many of them perform their duties and behave well. Some fireman, some policeman and some civilians are too. Whether a charity fundraiser or a gold medal winning Olympic athlete is a hero is another matter. Tricky use of the word in some contexts.