ailment that sounds past tense

Guri Bee

2 min read

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23-10-2024

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Ailments That Sound Like the Past Tense: A Linguistic Twist

Have you ever noticed how some illnesses sound like they've already happened? Take "the flu," for example. It seems like you've already flown through the experience, even though you might be feeling quite the opposite! This linguistic quirk is surprisingly common, and it sparks curiosity about the origins of these terms and their impact on how we perceive illness.

Why do some illnesses sound like the past tense?

This phenomenon, often referred to as "grammatical metaphor," isn't unique to illness terms. It's a product of how language evolves and adapts to its users.

Here are some potential reasons:

• Metaphorical association: The past tense can be used to describe a state of being or a condition that has changed. For example, "The flu has me down" implies that the illness has taken hold, bringing you down from your usual state.
• Descriptive language: Some terms, like "the chills," directly describe a symptom that feels like something that has already happened. You feel cold, as if you've already been exposed to the cold.
• Historical context: Language can be influenced by historical events. The word "plague" is a great example. It originally referred to a "plague of locusts," but it evolved to describe a widespread illness that felt like a catastrophic event.

Let's explore some specific examples:

• The flu: This one, as mentioned earlier, is a classic example. It sounds like you've already "flown" through the experience, even if you're still feeling the effects.
• The chills: Similar to "the flu," this term describes a sensation that feels like something that has already happened. You're shivering, as if you've already been exposed to cold.
• The measles: This term evokes a sense of "measleness," as if you've already been "measured" by the illness.
• The mumps: This term can be interpreted as a past tense form of "to mump," a word for "to sulk" or "to be silent," suggesting a state of being brought about by the illness.

The impact of language on perception:

The way we talk about illnesses can influence how we perceive and experience them.

• Desensitization: Words that sound like the past tense can make illness seem less immediate and threatening. This can be helpful in some cases, as it might help us to cope with the experience.
• Increased awareness: On the other hand, these terms might make us more attuned to the symptoms and the impact of the illness, encouraging us to take necessary precautions and seek medical attention.

Beyond illnesses:

The linguistic phenomenon of past-tense sounding terms extends beyond illness. Consider these examples from a Github discussion thread https://github.com/facebook/react/issues/22978:

• The broken: This term, referring to a broken component, suggests that something has already been broken, even though it might still be in a state of malfunction.
• The corrupted: This term suggests that a file has already been corrupted, even though the corruption might be ongoing.

A fascinating study:

The study of language is fascinating, and the phenomenon of past-tense sounding terms is just one example of how language shapes our understanding of the world. It's a reminder that the words we use are not just tools of communication, but also powerful forces that influence our perception and experience.