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Opposites attract

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May 31, 2003, 18:34
Morgan
Opposites attract
While shopping today, we were discussing the word "spendthrift", which sounds like a person who is thrifty about their spending, when in reality, it is exactly the opposite! According to AHD: "NOUN: One who spends money recklessly or wastefully."

What other words can we think of that might make you think they are opposite their true meaning?
May 31, 2003, 18:55
jerry thomas
meretricious

inflammable
May 31, 2003, 19:23
shufitz
I can't come up with further candidates. But it might be very interesting to see each of these words came to have such an "opposed" meaning.
June 01, 2003, 07:31
the_bear
Or cleave which means both.
June 01, 2003, 20:02
Kalleh
I just don't get the meaning of "spendthrift". It seems like it should mean one who is thrifty! Confused
June 02, 2003, 09:05
Graham Nice
Essential Oils - oils that smell which are of no use whatsoever
June 02, 2003, 13:11
C J Strolin
I nominate "enervating" as in having the quality of depleting the strength or energy of something or someone.

Some social organizations will have the position "chairman" for the person responsible for setting up all the folding chairs before a meeting, but that's not really the same thing...