The Russian language can confuse even an experienced native speaker, not to mention foreigners and the younger generation. Some words, at the expense of morphemes, acquire a completely mysterious meaning, which is difficult to figure out even when referring to the research of professional philologists. And, if someone suddenly declares that you are cunning, is it worth considering as a compliment? Or can you feel free to get upset and offended? First you have to delve into the etymology.
Life is in motion
The origin from the concept of “leaving” seems obvious, but over the centuries, the meaning of the prefix has changed repeatedly. She could indicate either a fait accompli or a completed action, or a complete rejection of it , “removal” from it. For instance:
- kill, prick;
- carry away, run away.
Why do I need help? Dahl once suggested that "cunning" is the result of a prefix substitution. A detailed study of the issue makes it difficult to disagree. After all, there is a maximum rapprochement with the outdated "dying":
- smart, dexterous;
- knowledgeable, experienced.
Although the colloquial definition arose from "get your mind." And for the concept under study there is a mundane version of the emergence, based on the old Russian fun of village guys.
Good fight - no injuries
Some sources consider it possible to draw an analogy with the wall-to-wall fight. When young people went to measure strength and fighting talents with the inhabitants of a neighboring village. And if some participant managed to get through the hassle with minimal damage, to get away from enemy attacks, he was given the corresponding title. Why not? After all, the classic cunning person has important qualities:
- resourcefulness;
- ability to dodge.
And both physically and in conversation. Flexibility of the body and liveliness of thought helps to get out of the most difficult and dangerous situations.
Relevance - in the interpretation
What does the interlocutor mean? By the 21st century, experts have deduced two acceptable meanings for a colorful word:
- one who is gone or lost;
- a nimble, grasping man.
The first option is labeled obsolete and completely not used in everyday communication. But the second is a "cunning" canonical. Grandmother can say so, if the grandchildren managed to hold it and drag the sweet bun right before lunch, and a colleague, when trying to shove part of his duties on him.
The definition is not considered offensive, although it carries a negative connotation. It recognizes the personality of special talents, the ability to get out. And at the same time declares some meanness, danger to others, because a cunning person easily throws off difficulties on others. Use only in informal communication with loved ones, in order to avoid misunderstanding!