Many words of foreign origin are so often used in the Russian language that some use them, not always knowing their true meaning. For example, the English adjective special (special). What is it, let's find out, and also consider the most famous expressions with it.
Etymology of the word
Before finding out the lexical meaning of the word special, it is worth learning about the origin of this term.
Like most words of the English language, “special” came to him from Latin. In time immemorial, when Rome seemed to be an invincible state, a noun species was used in speech among its inhabitants, which meant “appearance”.
After the fall of the empire, Latin reigned in Europe for many centuries, due to the fact that most scientific and theological works were written on it. At the same time, although it actively influenced the formation of almost all languages ​​in European countries, it itself was exposed to them. Thus, the so-called "medieval Latin" arose. In it, the term species evolved to the word specialis, which, with minimal modifications, was borrowed from the Old English (species) and Old French (especial) languages.
The modern appearance and meaning of the word "Special" acquired in the Middle English period, retaining it to this day.
What is special (special)
Having dealt with the etymology, is it worth finally finding out what is special?
This adjective is translated from the British language as “special”, “eye-catching”, “unusual” or even “unique”.
As a rule, the word special is used in speech when they want to emphasize the exclusivity of a thing, moment, event, action or subject.
Also considered the adjective in official names is used in the meaning of "special".
Translation and meaning of the phrase “special edition”
The aforementioned phrase can often be found on the covers of books, comics, manga, music CDs, games, movies and television series. What does it mean?
The literal translation of Special Edition is a special edition. However, in the Russian language it is more often replaced with a similar meaning in the expression “collector's edition”.
As a rule, such a mark indicates the uniqueness of this product:
- If these are recordings of music, films or television series, then on the disks with them some additional materials will be contained. Usually this is either a documentary about the creation process or a set of cut scenes. If the picture on the disc is in 3D format, 3D glasses are usually a gift for a special edition.
- When it comes to games, it means that bonus levels and tasks will definitely be present in them.
- Books with such markings often have more expensive design and are well suited as a luxury gift. They may also contain information about the author or the history of the creation of the work. In addition to all of the above, draft versions of the book may be attached to a special publication. If it is a dictionary or an encyclopedia, the collection version may contain additional articles or a disc with a digital version of the book.
All this is done in order to maintain the interest of buyers in products and force them to acquire new copies, despite the presence of old ones.
The word "special" in the names of the episodes
Considering the question "What is special?" it is worth noting that in the names of some series or games it is used on its own. Why is this done?
As you know, the majority of television production comes out during the nine-month season lasting from September to May. The remaining three months, such projects, as a rule, are on "vacation". Sometimes such vaccinations can drag on for a longer period, such as with the British TV series Black Mirror and Sherlock (they have a three-year seasons release rate).
Due to long breaks, viewers are able to cool off to their favorite project. To prevent this from happening, the creators of television production in the offseason release special episodes marked special. As a rule, they are not connected with the main storyline, but at the same time they enable viewers to better understand their favorite characters and have a good time.
An example is the famous animated series One Piece (based on the manga of the same name) consisting of more than seven hundred episodes. Among them there are full-length cartoons, as well as special issues dedicated to the holidays and the off-season. The latter are called "Van Peace: Special", and then a more detailed title of the episode.
What does the phrase “special pho” mean?
The phrase special for you, probably, takes the second place in popularity (after all kinds of expressions with the noun love) as an inscription on postcards and romantic wallpapers on the computer desktop.
Correct translation: "especially for you / you." This expression is used when the speaker or writer wants to emphasize that what is done or given to them is not intended for everyone, but for a specific person.
Among other things, this phrase is often used in songs about love and passion.
What does SPECIAL mean?
Considering the question: "What is special?" - It is worth mentioning another way to decrypt this word.
If it is written in the form of an abbreviation with dots after each letter, this means that we are talking about a role-playing system for the popular computer game Fallout. Each of the letters of this adjective is an abbreviation for a particular characterization.
- Strength is strength.
- Perception - perception.
- Endurance - Endurance.
- Charisma is a charm.
- Intelligence - intelligence.
- Agility - agility.
- Luck is luck.
In addition to the "golden seven", all the heroes of the game SPECIAL have other characteristics, but they play a secondary role
Having examined the meaning of the word “special”, as well as the most famous expressions with it, we can conclude that in the modern world it, along with the adjective “new” (new), has become one of the main tools in the field of marketing.