The Glamor of Prestige
Two words that have
surprising hidden meanings are glamor and prestige. In our time, glamor means
charm, attractiveness, and physical beauty. Prestige means a person's standing
in the estimation of others. It is usually based on reputation and industrial-strength
achievement, making it a deeper and more desirable quality than mere skin-deep
glamor.
Here comes the hidden
part. Originally, glamor in English meant magic, enchantment, and a spell. In
the original Greek, it meant the study of letters, the methodical study of
literature. This included all
literature and learning, so at one stage of history, magic, astrology, and the
occult arts were included. The Old French gramaire was sometimes used as a name for the dark arts,
and –gr– eventually turned
into –gl–.
Originally, prestige
meant an illusion produced by magic. The Latin praestīgia meant a trick, deceit, or illusion. Since such
dazzling acts often produced admiration and amazement, the more positive sense
of respect developed.
Available from McFarland & Co.: Word Parts
Dictionary, 2nd edition
Nook edition
Nook edition
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