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'.

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