TED-ED: Mysteries of vernacular: Lady - Jessica Oreck and Rachael Teel

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' has shifted in social context, now often simply meaning 'woman'.

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

• Hlaf and daege

• Bread and dairy

• Loaf and maid

• Hlaf and weard

What did the term 'hlafdige' originally refer to?

• A dairymaid

• A female servant

• A mistress of servants

• A breadwinner

What was the Old English term for the male head of a household?

• Daege

• Hlafweard

• Hlafdige

• Weard

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

• Derivation

• Conjugation

• Inflection

• Syncopation

How has the meaning of 'lady' changed over time?

• It has become a term for a female servant.

• It is now used to refer to any woman.

• It is exclusively used for women of high social standing.

• It is no longer used in modern English.