Many words of foreign origin are so often used in the Russian language that some use them without always knowing their true meaning. For example, the English adjective special (special). What is it, let's find out, and also consider the most famous expressions with it.
Etymology of the word
Before finding out the lexical meaning of the word special, it is worth knowing about the origin of this term.
Like most English words, "special" comes from Latin. In ancient times, when Rome seemed an indestructible state, its inhabitants used the noun species in their speech, which meant “appearance.”
After the fall of the empire, Latin reigned in Europe for many centuries, due to the fact that most scientific and theological works were written in it. At the same time, although she actively influenced the formation of almost all languages in European states, she herself was exposed to them. Thus, the so-called "medieval Latin" arose. In it, the term species evolved to the wordspecialis, which, with minimal changes, was borrowed by Old English (species) and Old French (especial) languages.
The word "special" acquired its modern appearance and meaning in the Middle English period, retaining it to this day.
What is special (special)
Having de alt with the etymology, should we finally know what the special is?
This adjective is translated from the British language as "special", "standout", "unusual" or even "unique".
As a rule, the word special is used in speech when they want to emphasize the exclusivity of some thing, moment, event, action or object.
Also, the adjective in question in official names is used in the meaning of "special".
Translation and meaning of the expression "special edition"
The above phrase can often be found on the covers of books, comics, manga, music CDs, games, movies and television series. What does it mean?
The literal translation of "special edition" is a special/special edition. However, in Russian it is more often replaced by the expression "collector's edition", which is similar in meaning.
As a rule, such a mark indicates the uniqueness of this product:
- If these are recordings of music, films or TV series, then the discs with them will contain some additional material. Usually this is either a documentary about the creation process or a set of cut scenes. If the picture on the disc is in 3D format, thenthe special edition usually comes with 3D glasses as a gift.
- When it comes to games, it means that they will definitely have bonus levels and tasks.
- Books marked like this often have more expensive packaging and are well suited as a luxurious gift. They may also contain information about the author or the history of the creation of the work. In addition to all of the above, draft versions of the book may be attached to the special edition. If it is a dictionary or encyclopedia, the Collector's Edition may contain additional articles or a CD with the digital version of the book.
All this is done in order to maintain the interest of buyers in products and force them to buy new copies, despite the presence of old ones.
The word "special" in episode titles
Considering the question "What is a special?" it is worth noting that in the names of some series or games it is used by itself. Why is this being done?
As you know, most TV productions are released during a nine-month season lasting from September to May. The remaining three months, such projects, as a rule, are on "holidays". Sometimes such vacations can drag on for a longer period, such as with the British TV series Black Mirror and Sherlock (they have a season frequency of every three years).
Because of the long breaks, viewers are able to cool down to their favorite project. To prevent this from happening, the creators of television products in the off-season release special episodes markedspecial. As a rule, they are not connected to the main storyline, but at the same time they allow viewers to better understand their favorite characters and have a good time.
An example is the famous animated series One Piece (based on the manga of the same name) consisting of more than seven hundred episodes. Among them are full-length cartoons, as well as special releases dedicated to the holidays and off-season. The latter are called "One Piece: Special", and then a more detailed name of the episode.
What does the phrase "special fo you" mean
The phrase special for you is probably the second most popular phrase (after all kinds of expressions with the noun love) as an inscription on postcards and romantic desktop wallpapers.
The correct translation is "especially for you/you". This expression is used when the speaker or writer wants to emphasize that what they do or donate is not for everyone, but for a particular person.
Among other things, this phrase is often used in songs about love and passion.
What does it mean S. P. E. C. I. A. L
Considering the question, "What is a special?" - it is worth mentioning another way to decipher this word.
If it is written as an abbreviation with dots after each letter, this means that we are talking about a role-playing system for the popular computer game Fallout. Each of the letters of this adjective is an abbreviation for a certain characteristic of the character.
- Strength - strength.
- Perception - perception.
- Endurance - endurance.
- Charisma - charm.
- Intelligence - intelligence.
- Agility - dexterity.
- Luck - good luck.
In addition to the "golden seven", all the heroes of the game S. P. E. C. I. A. L. there are other characteristics, but they play a secondary role
Having considered the meaning of the word "special", as well as the most famous expressions with it, we can conclude that in the modern world, it, along with the adjective "new" (new), has become one of the main tools in the field of marketing.
