Words That Mean Totally Different Things Now Then They Did Before The Internet

#1 Words That Have Taken New Meanings

Back before the internet, smart phones, and tablets, life was much different. Including our language. Some of the words we used to use every day are not morphed into words that we use to describe online or web based activity. While some are still used in the proper way in certain situations, most everybody on the planet knows what you mean when you use the words that follow...

#2 TROLL

Then: "a dwarf or giant in Scandinavian folklore inhabiting caves or hills."

Now: "a person who sows discord on the Internet by starting arguments or upsetting people."

#3 TWEET

Then: "a chirping note."

Now: "a very short message posted on the Twitter website."

#4 UNPLUG

Then: "to disconnect something, such as a lamp or television from an electrical source or another device by removing its plug."

Now: "to refrain from using digital or electronic devices for a period of time."

#5 VIRAL

Then: "of, relating to, or caused by a virus."

Now: "becoming very popular by circulating quickly from person to person, especially through the Internet."

#6 BUMP

Then: "to encounter something that is an obstacle or hindrance."

Now: "to move an online post or thread to the top of the reverse chronological list by adding a new comment or post to the thread."

#7 BLOCK

Then: "to be placed in front of something, such as a road or path, so that people or things cannot pass through."

Now: "to prevent someone from contacting you on a social network like Twitter, or from viewing your profile."

#8 CATFISH

Then: "a freshwater or marine fish with whiskerlike barbels around the mouth, typically bottom-dwelling."

Now: "a person who sets up a false personal profile on a social networking site for fraudulent or deceptive purposes."

#9 CLOUD

Then: "a visible mass of particles of condensed vapor (as water or ice) suspended in the atmosphere of a planet (as the earth) or moon."

Now: "any of several parts of the Internet that allow online processing and storage of documents and data as well as electronic access to software and other resources."

#10 FOOTPRINT

Then: "a track or mark left by a foot or shoe."

Now: "a unique set of characteristics, actions, etc., that leave a trace and serve as a means of identification."

#11 FOLLOW

Then: "to go or come after or behind someone or something; to pursue in an effort to overtake."

Now: "to subscribe to someone's updates on social media."

#12 FRIEND

Then: "one attached to another by affection or esteem."

Now: "to add a person to one's list of contacts on a social-networking website."

#13 HANDLE

Then: "a part of something that is designed to be held by your hand. A Door."

Now: "your screen name; the name you go by on the Internet."

#14 PING

Then: "a sharp sound like that of a striking bullet."

Now: "to make contact with someone by sending a brief electronic message, as a text message."

#15 MEME

Then: "an idea, behavior, style, or usage that spreads from person to person within a culture."

Now: "a cultural item in the form of an image, video, phrase, etc., that is spread via the Internet and often altered in a creative or humorous way."

#16 LIKE

Then: "to be suitable or agreeable to."

Now: "to indicate one's enjoyment of, agreement with, or interest in website content, especially in social media."

#17 SWIPE

Then: "a criticism or insult that is directed toward a particular person or group; a swinging movement of a person's hand, an animal's paw, etc."

Now: "to move the fingers across a touchscreen."

#18 TABLET

Then: "a flat piece of stone, clay, or wood that has writing on it."

Now: "a general-purpose computer contained in a touchscreen panel."

#19 TAG

Then: "to supply with an identifying marker or price; to attach as an addition."

Now: "to link to someone else's profile in a social media post, commonly a photo or status update."

#20 TEXT

Then: "a book or other piece of writing; especially: one that is studied."

Now: "to send a text message."