In modern Russian, the "bastard" has a sharply negative connotation. If you decide to use it by typing in the Microsoft Word editor, the program will highlight it in green. The comment will suggest replacing the swear word with the literary one. But initially the meaning of the word "bastard" was not so abusive. So, in order.
What is the meaning of the word "bastard"?
There is a version that this word came to us in everyday life from landlord kennels. Previously, the main entertainment of the landlords was hunting. And the main attribute of successful fishing of animals and birds were well-trained dogs. There was even a special position - a kennel. The man who occupied her had to look after the dogs, and also make sure that the puppies were born only from purebred parents. And if it happened that the mating occurred spontaneously and between different breeds, then a kennel-watching person was punished for this. Puppies from this mating were called “non-bastards,” that is, the kennel did not spot, did not “kill” the dogs. But this version was not reflected in the dictionaries. Combining all the definitions of this swear word in different explanatory dictionaries, 4 main meanings can be distinguished:
- Bastards are illegitimate children.
- Bastards are not purebred animals.
- Bastards are plants.
- Bastards are low and mean people.
We will examine in more detail with each definition.
An illegitimate child
The word "bastard" has common roots with the verb "fornication." That is, "to have vicious ties." And, since the mid-19th century, it was used mainly as a word denoting a child born outside of a legal marriage. Often this term was used in situations when, as a result of a frivolous connection between a noble person and a commoner, a baby was born. His mother was called the harlot, who walked the baby, and her child - the bastard. This concept has survived to this day. In prison jargon, the meaning of “bastard” is a child born of a prostitute.
Non-purebred animal
It is difficult to believe, but the term "bastard" was previously scientific and was used to define offspring from the cross of various genetic forms. In modern biology, the definition of "hybrid" has supplanted it. Interspecific and intergeneric crossbreeding among plants is a fairly frequent phenomenon. Among animals, this is possible with active human intervention. The most prominent representatives of genetic experiments among animals were: loshak (a cross between a stallion and a donkey), donkey (a cross between a horse and a donkey). However, the man did not stop there. We list several unusual descendants from animals of different types:
- Liger is a hybrid between a lion and a tigress.
- Tigrolev - an animal resulting from the cross of a tiger and a lioness.
- Kosatkodelfin - a rare hybrid of a dolphin and a killer whale.
- Levopard is a hybrid of a male leopard and a lioness.
- Zebroids are individuals resulting from a zebra crossing with a horse, pony or donkey.
All hybrid animals are obtained only in captivity. And most of them are barren.
Plant
In the explanatory dictionary of Vladimir Dahl, a rare definition of the word "bastard" is found. In ancient times, the so-called plant Maryin root. For the first time, this flower was used as a cultivated plant in the second half of the 18th century. To date, this type of plant is classified as endangered, and in some regions is listed in the Red Book. In addition to its decorative qualities, it has healing properties. An infusion of the leaves of this plant is taken for neurosis, as a sedative for insomnia. An ointment from the roots of this flower will relieve joint pain, radiculitis, muscle ailments. With abuse of tincture or decoction, poisoning of the body can occur.
Low and mean man
In modern speech, the word "bastard" has a brightly negative connotation. Saying it to the address of a person, you can greatly insult your opponent, cause a mental wound. After all, its meaning is "a person with low animal instincts, who has a near mind."
Despite the fact that the word "bastard" is swearing, it is often found on the pages of modern books and sounds from TV screens. Famous directors, coming up with names for their movie masterpieces, are not embarrassed and use it. "Bastard" does not apply to obscene expressions , but this does not reduce its negative value. In a word, be careful in choosing words and phrases. Do not forget about their meaning.