20 old words that have new meanings since the birth of the internet
Dictionary.com has revealed a list of commonly used words that have seen their definition change considerably in the last couple of decades.
The changes have been primarily driven by the increased use of social media. While 1995 may seem like it was just yesterday to some of us, 20 years is actually a really long time. The world has change from dial-up modems and VCRs to unlimited broadband and Netflix streaming.
Check out the list of 20 words with new meanings below:
1. Bump
Then: “to come more or less heavily in contact with.”
Now: “to move an online post or thread to the top of the reverse chronological list by adding a new comment or post to the thread.”
2. Cloud
Then: “a visible collection of particles of water or ice suspended in the air.”
Now: “any of several parts of the Internet that allow online processing and storage of documents and data as well as electronic access to software and other resources.”
3. Core
Then: “the central part of a fleshy fruit, containing the seeds.”
Now: “the muscles of the torso, which provide support for the spine and pelvis.”
4. Fail
Then: “to come short or be wanting in action.”
Now: “to make an embarrassing or humorous mistake, be in a humiliating situation, etc., and be subject to ridicule.”
5. Footprint
Then: “a mark left by the foot.”
Now: “a unique set of characteristics, actions, etc., that leave a trace and serve as a means of identification.”
6. Friend
Then: “someone attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard.”
Now: “to add a person to one’s list of contacts on a social-networking website.”
7. Glance
Then: “to look quickly or briefly.”
Now: “Information on an electronic screen that can be understood quickly or at a glance.”
8. Goldilocks
Then: “a person with golden hair.”
Now: “Not being extreme or not varying drastically between extremes, especially between hot and cold.”
9. Like
Then: “having the same or similar qualities or characteristics.”
Now: “to indicate one’s enjoyment of, agreement with, or interest in website content, especially in social media.”
10. Meme
Then: “a cultural element, as a custom or concept.”
Now: “A cultural item in the form of an image, video, phrase, etc., that is spread via the Internet and often altered in a creative or humorous way.”
11. Ping:
Then: “to produce a sharp, ringing, high-pitched sound.”
Now: “to make contact with someone by sending a brief electronic message, as a text message.”
12. Profile:
Then: “the outline or contour of the human face, especially as seen from the side.”
Now: “the personal details, images, user statistics, social-media timeline, etc., that an individual creates and associates with a username or online account.”
13. Sandbox:
Then: “a container holding sand, usually located in an outdoors area.”
Now: “an environment in which software developers or editors can create and test new content, separate from other content in the project.”
14. Swipe
Then: “a stroke with full swing of the arms.”
Now: “to move the fingers across a touchscreen.”
15. Takeaway
Then: “food or beverage purchased for consumption elsewhere.”
Now: “conclusions, impressions, or action points resulting from a meeting, discussion, roundtable, or the like.”
16. Text
Then: “the main body of matter in a book or manuscript.”
Now: “to send a text message.”
17. Timeline
Then: “a representation of historical events in the form of a line.”
Now: “a collection of online posts or updates associated with a specific social-media account, in reverse chronological order.”
18. Tweet
Then: “the weak chirp of a young or small bird.”
Now: “a very short message posted on the Twitter website.”
19. Unplug
Then: “to disconnect by pulling the plug from it or from a power socket.”
Now: “to refrain from using digital or electronic devices for a period of time.”
20. Viral
Then: “relating to or caused by a virus.”
Now: “becoming very popular by circulating quickly from person to person, especially through the Internet.”
Image credit: Shutterstock
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