Anglicism is the scourge of the modern Russian language. Indeed, borrowed English terms are used more and more often to denote various phenomena, which stubbornly supplant Russian words. Among such neologisms (newly formed terms) is the word "original." What it is? Let's find out, and also consider in which areas it is used most often.
What is "original" (translation of a word)?
This Anglicism almost completely copied its meaning (along with pronunciation) from the original language. In which original means "the original, the source, something original (not a fake or a copy)."
In addition to these interpretations, the word "original" can also be synonymous with the noun "eccentric", that is, it is an analogue of the word "original".
In addition, it can be translated as “beginning” or “origin”.
Also, this term in rare cases refers to local residents of some land or the first settlers.
What does it mean when a thing is called "original"?
Having figured out what “original” is in translation from English, you should find out in which areas this term is used in Russian.
Most often, this word can be seen on the packaging of any goods that are positioned as products of well-known brands, not always being such.
The fact is that manufacturers of the same iPhone or Barbie dolls do not make sense to put the mark "original" on their products. Since each item of their products has an individual serial number and can be checked through the official website. But manufacturers of fakes (to convince a gullible buyer of the originality of their goods) often make notes of original, high quality, etc.
However, this is not always the case. For example, the famous brand of sportswear, shoes and equipment Adidas in 2001 created a separate line called “Adidas Original”. It is aimed not at making sportswear and shoes, but at creating outfits for everyday wear.
What is different from a book
Also, the studied term is quite actively used among writers. It is no secret to anyone that a person is considered a writer only when his works are published. And to achieve this (if you have no money or a sponsor except talent) is very difficult.
However, with the advent of the Internet, for many home-grown authors, the need to publish their works has disappeared. Indeed, now it has become sufficient to find a resource (corresponding to one’s own interests) and publish your work there.
Similar publications that were not printed anywhere (except for the Web) are called "originals."
Books of this kind, by the way, can be called original only if their plot and characters are completely the result of author’s imagination.
If the creator "borrowed" the heroes or the universe from another work, such a book is called "fan fiction" (FF). This is the name of the continuation of famous books / movies written by lay people.
Fan fiction and originals. Canon
These two have more in common with each other than published books. Both fan fiction and the original are considered amateurish literature, and therefore they are treated downside. But in vain. Indeed, creating his own stories and putting them on public display, the author gets a wonderful opportunity to find out the true opinion of his readers, and, making corrections, grow creatively. So there are often cases when experienced creators of fan fiction turn out to be better writers than their published colleagues.
As mentioned above, the difference between fan fiction and the original is that the latter is completely the fruit of the original author’s imagination. That is, if a certain Stepochkin wrote a story about the searches of Atlantis by Sherlock Holmes and John Watson - then this is fan fiction.
If that author writes the story of two students, Shura and Van, who are looking for the famous sunken continent, this is the original. And he remains so, even if during the search, one of the heroes mentions Holmes and Watson as literary characters.
If the guys not only manage to find Atlantis, but, having discovered a time machine there, return to England of the 19th century. and meet with Sherlock and Watson - such a story is considered fan fiction.
Studying this topic, it is worth paying attention to the canon. This is the name of the original famous work (book, film, series, anime, video games) and its heroes who inspired others to create fan fiction.
Any original can become a canon, if other authors are interested, and they will begin to create its continuation.
Game Divinity: Original Sin
Having learned what the original is in amateur literature, it is worth considering another example of the use of this word. This is the name of the turn-based computer role-playing game Divinity: Original Sin ("Deity: Original Sin").
The action "Divinity: Original Sin" takes place in the same world of magic as in the game Divine Divinity. The gamer manages not with one but two characters at once, who chooses abilities and skills to his liking. The goal of these heroes is to find and neutralize members of the dangerous magical organization, "Keepers of the Source."
Thus, this article told the reader what an “original” is.