In Russian Language
The transformation of the meaning of the adjective "krasnyi" (red or beautiful) in Russian language has an interesting history. The proverbs "A house is red judging by its corners", "A debt is red by its payment", "Red girl" means "red", "good" as to beautify from the Slavic word "krasa" - beauty. In such a way, when the Western Rus' was also called Red Rus', they meant that it was "beautiful" Rus'. For the color notation proper, the Slavic languages use the word "chervonyi". But in the Russian language, the word "chervonyi" for the red color has been lost, although one can still see the link in the word "chervontsy" (bank notes worth of 10 roubles of red colour). Many linguists consider that through Russians' use of the word for the banknote, the initial sense of the term was permanently altered.
Read more about this topic: Chervona Ruta, Etymology
Famous quotes containing the words russian and/or language:
“A medium Vodka dry Martini—with a slice of lemon peel. Shaken and not stirred, please. I would prefer Russian or Polish vodka.”
—Ian Fleming (1908–1964)
“Great literature is simply language charged with meaning to the utmost possible degree.”
—Ezra Pound (1885–1972)