Quote:
Originally posted by Trenton
Like, take "fan" for example (in the context of the phrase "I'm a fan"), the connotation would lead to the understanding of the phrase to be "I'm an avid supporter of (whatever)", however the denotation, because fan is short for fanatic, would lead to the "I'm actually crazy (in the literal psycho sense) for (whatever.)"
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Actually, "fan" as we say today IS the actual meaning of the word "fanatic", it's just shortened. That's the detonation, if you will. The noun, as in "a fanatic", and the sense of fanatic we use today is an ameliaration of the old "fan".
In other words, the original word wasn't that strong, but has been exaggerated through time. It's not exactly connotational because the dictionary definitions have changed. Anywat that was a piece of completely useless information I hope I haven't bored you all ...