Appearance in public is invariably associated with strong emotions. But if a trained speaker or artist craves attention, then for many public speaking is a shame, at least in their own imagination. Where did the humble, short word get a negative connotation? How did it evolve within the framework of Russian speech and why are contemporaries afraid of public censure? Look into the depths of centuries, and the answers will appear by themselves!
From punishment to the stage
The definition came from the Pre-Slavic root, therefore, has a lot of related terms in the languages ​​of Eastern Europe. Its basic meaning is the attention of society to a specific person, her thoughts and actions, certain phenomena. The original research concept in Russia is deciphered in two ways:
The ancestors meant both a kind of artistic production or performance of buffoons, and a kind of punishment. The meaning of the word “shame” in ancient times reveals a special pillar for tying offenders. He scared not so much with imprisonment or the accompanying corporal punishment, but with the censure of fellow citizens. Although the interpretation depends on the people, to this day in Serbo-Croatian there is a "disgrace", which we translate as an ordinary theater.
Between failure and dishonor
The 21st century has recorded a negative meaning. Today, a capacious definition is used in situations extremely unpleasant for a person:
- to indicate dishonor, to indicate your contempt for the person;
- mark someone else’s failure.
In the first case, we are talking about an unstable social situation, disapproval of others. And also about the emotions that you experience under the pressure of circumstances, someone else's condemnation. The second option is used allegorically in relation to objects or actions. In this way, the speaker declares the low quality of the work done or about the behavior of an aristocrat that is not worthy. Just one brief assessment is a mockery or contempt for the interlocutor’s mistakes.
An outdated interpretation is hardly remembered beyond the limits of classical literature. But if someone exclaims: “Shame!” - this is a call to quickly look at strange, ambiguous or frankly bad things. Because of this, the concept involuntarily causes a feeling of embarrassment among Russian-speaking citizens.
Decency and permissiveness
Add to lexicon? Everyone’s personal business, but keep in mind the tale of a liar boy and wolves: it’s impossible to constantly shout: “Attention!”. In the modern world, a lot of shameful things are happening, which should be given a capacious characterization. But due to frequent use, the word will quickly devalue, and people will no longer listen to your criticism. Be humble and do not dishonor others for no reason!