Word Inversion

 Words change over time, sometimes they end up with the opposite of their original meaning as you can see from the list below.  Interesting stuff. 

A Small Dictionary of Changed Meanings

Awful (adj.) (c. 1175): Filled with awe.
Blockbuster (n.) (1942): A large bomb capable of destroying a block of buildings.
Brave (v.) (1619): To threaten.
Buxom (adj.) (c. 1175): Compliant, obedient, easy to influence.
Bully (n.) (1548): A term of endearment between close friends, similar to dear or darling. Later used between men to indicate a good chap.
Cartoon (n.) (1684): A design sketch for a large work of art (such as a fresco, tapestry or stained glass) done on heavy paper.
Cheat (v.) (c. 14 40): To confiscate. From escheat, the legal forfeiture of property.
Clout (n.) (Old English): A patch of metal, cloth or leather used to mend something.
Clue (n.) (1393): A ball of yarn.
Deadline (n.) (1863): From the American Civil War; the boundary line in a military prison beyond which a prisoner might be shot.
Egregious (adj.) (c. 1550): Remarkable, distinguished, of great renown.
Digital (n.) (1450): A whole number less than ten.
Disappoint (v.) (1434): To remove someone from their appointed office, to dismiss them from authority.
Explode (v.) (1552): To reject or replace something, like a custom or tradition. A later, second meaning was to condemn, banish or drive away. By 1614, audiences might explode a performer from the stage with jeering.
Fizzle (n.) (1533): A noiseless fart.
Flirt (v.) (1532): To make a sudden movement; to flick, dart or bound. Typically associated with birds.
Garbage (n.) (1422): Animal offal or entrails used for food.
Girl (n.) (c. 1300): A child or young person, regardless of sex.
Hussy (n.) (1470): A Scottish word for a housekeeper or mistress of the house. Also, the female head of the family.
Luxury (n.) (1340): Lust, lechery, lasciviousness.
Magazine (n.) (1451): A storehouse or depot for merchandise.
Meat (n.) (Old English): Food of any variety, whether consumed by humans or animals.
Naughty (adj.) (c. 1400): Having nothing—naught. Poor.
Nice (adj.) (c. 1300): A foolish or simple person.
Ovation (n.) (1533): A historical word for the processional entrance given to a military commander in ancient Rome who had fallen short of a triumph and therefore received a more modest reception.
Prestige (n.) (1656): A magic trick, an illusion. From a fourteenth-century French word for a conjuror’s illusion.
Pretty (adj.) (Old English): Skillful, crafty or cunning. Also, archaic Scottish word for brave.
Radical (adj.) (1398): Relating to the roots of a plant.
Quiz (n.) (1780): An eccentric person; someone who looks ridiculous.
Secretary (n.) (1387): A confidant, or one trusted with secrets.
Silly (adj.) (1450); A Scottish word meaning worthy or pious.
Stiletto (n.) (1611): A short dagger with a slender, thin blade designed to penetrate armor. From Italian for “little steel.”
Sly (adj.) (1175): Clever, wise or skillful with one’s hands.
Tabloid (n.) (1884): A small compressed substance, like a medical pill or block of tea.
Terrific (adj.) (1667): Inspiring terror, frightful, awful.