ST Alpha - "Just like 'bemused'. Everyone uses it for mildly amused, or confusingly amused. But the original meaning was just bewildered." (Reading a Post)

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In response to "And at this point it seems have taken on that meaning of a small or trivial fact. I think it's probably lost its original meaning at this point. -- nm" by Krusty

Just like 'bemused'. Everyone uses it for mildly amused, or confusingly amused. But the original meaning was just bewildered.

Posted by Andie Oct 23 '24, 13:28

dictionary.com includes the currently used meaning now (it didn't used to.)

bemused

[ bih-myoozd ]

Phonetic (Standard)
IPA
adjective
bewildered or confused:
a bemused expression on his face.

lost in thought; preoccupied.
mildly amused, especially in a detached way.

https://www.dictionary.com/browse/bemused (www.dictionary.com)

Responses:

Nonplussed now means unimpressed -- (edited) - znufrii Oct 23, 14:49
I find it interesting how words change over the years and at times can have their meaning flipped from the original intention. -- nm - Krusty Oct 23, 14:08 2
- "nice" was a polite way of calling someone dumb! -- nm - Reagen Oct 23, 14:13 1
  - Not cool. -- nm - Krusty Oct 23, 14:20
I've always thought if I'm bemused it's on the WTF side of things -- nm - JD Oct 23, 13:33

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Just like 'bemused'. Everyone uses it for mildly amused, or confusingly amused. But the original meaning was just bewildered.

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