Sometimes in classical works there are phrases that are surprising and mysterious for contemporaries. Something of the kind can also be heard from older fellow citizens quoting their favorite book or deciding to joke in an awkward situation. One of the stumbling blocks is rightfully considered “the honest people”. Many do not understand why not "honest", and is there a difference?
Polite but outdated
The word has not been used in everyday life for a long time. It denotes a person or object "having honor", is often used when talking about the elements of a religious cult. In other words, the speaker indicates that the object or interlocutor:
- dear;
- venerable.
And in the well-established phrase "honest people"? The significance of such an appeal is difficult to overestimate: here are “kind people”, and an indication of the dignity of those around them, their spiritual and moral we alth. Politeness, universal in nature. From here, side meanings appeared:
- ritual according to established custom, honorby honor;
- revered for holiness, closeness to religion.
The meanings of the word "honest" mutually penetrate and complement each other, allowing you to please noble boyars, clergy and peasants, even if all three groups stand as a single crowd.
Appearing in art
Authors of the Golden and Silver Ages of Russian literature were happy to include original references in their fairy tales and philosophical novels. In today's books, one can rather see the astonished exclamation "Honest Mother!", and attempts to make the speech of the characters more sedate, official and corresponding to the medieval surroundings.
If a politician or university rector takes advantage of “honest people” when speaking to an audience, they simply will not be understood. They will think about how such officials fit their position, since they are not able to express themselves in understandable language. The most appropriate phrase would be in a setting on a historical theme, in a fantastic work, or when you want to turn the conversation into a joking manner, set people up in a positive way.
