The Russian language can confuse even an experienced speaker, not to mention foreigners and the younger generation. Some words, due to morphemes, acquire a completely mysterious meaning, which can be difficult to figure out even when referring to the research of professional philologists. And, if suddenly someone declares that you are cunning, should this be considered as a compliment? Or can you safely get upset and offended? First you have to delve into the etymology.
Life is in motion
The origin of the concept of “care” seems obvious, but over the centuries, the meaning of the prefix has changed repeatedly. She could indicate both a fait accompli or a completed action, and a complete rejection of it, "removal" from it. For example:
- kill, prick;
- carry away, run away.
What do you need help with? Dahl once suggested that "quirky" is the result of changing the prefix. On closer examination, it's hard to disagree. After all, there is a maximum rapprochement with the outdated "cunny":
- smart, dexterous;
- knowledgeable, experienced.
Although the colloquial definition arose from "reach your own mind." And for the concept under study, there is a mundane versionorigin, based on the old Russian fun of village boys.
Good fight - no injuries
Some sources consider it possible to draw an analogy with a wall-to-wall fight. When young people went to measure their strength and fighting talents with the inhabitants of a neighboring village. And if a participant managed to get through the skirmish with minimal damage, to escape from the blows of the enemy, he was given the appropriate title. Why not? After all, the classic cunning person has important qualities:
- quirkiness;
- dodge skill.
And both physically and in conversation. The flexibility of the body and the liveliness of the mind help to get out of the most difficult and dangerous situations.
Relevance - in interpretation
What does the interlocutor mean? By the 21st century, experts have deduced two valid meanings for a colorful word:
- one who is gone or lost;
- nimble, quick-witted man.
The first option is marked obsolete and is not used at all in everyday communication. But the second one is a “cunning” canonical one. So can a grandmother say if her grandchildren managed to trick her and steal a sweet bun right before dinner, and a colleague when trying to push some of her duties onto him.
The definition is not considered offensive, although it carries a negative connotation. It recognizes a person's special talents, the ability to get out. And at the same time declares some meanness, a danger toothers, because a cunning person easily throws off difficulties on others. Use only in informal communication with loved ones in order to avoid misunderstandings!
