Mysteries of Vernacular: Lady

The video explores the etymology of the word 'lady', tracing its origins to Old English terms 'hlaf' (loaf) and 'daege' (maid), which combined to form 'hlafdige', meaning 'loaf maid'. This term evolved into a title of respect for the female head of a household. Similarly, 'hlafweard', meaning 'loaf keeper', referred to the male head. Both terms underwent syncopation, becoming 'lord' and 'lady'. Over time, 'lady' shifted from a title of high social standing to a general term for women.

What are the Old English roots of the word 'lady'?

• Hlaf and daege

• Hlaf and weard

• Loaf and maid

• Bread and kneader

What did 'hlafdige' originally refer to in the ninth century?

• A bread maker

• A mistress of servants

• A female servant

• A dairymaid

What does 'hlafweard' mean in Old English?

• Bread kneader

• Loaf keeper

• Household head

• Servant leader

How did the words 'hlafweard' and 'hlafdige' evolve over time?

• They became 'bread' and 'kneader'

• They became 'ward' and 'warden'

• They became 'loaf' and 'maid'

• They became 'lord' and 'lady'

What process led to the transformation of 'hlafweard' and 'hlafdige'?

• Derivation

• Conjugation

• Etymology

• Syncopation

Which word is the modern equivalent of 'hlafweard'?

• Lady

• Ward

• Lord

• Warden

What is the modern usage of the word 'lady'?

• A general term for any woman

• A term for a female servant

• A respectful title for women of high status

• A term for a female head of household

What does the word 'lady' signify in contemporary language?

• A woman of noble birth

• A female servant

• A woman in general

• A female head of household