hag

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/hæɡ/

Definitions

1. An old, evil, or wicked woman, often portrayed as a witch or sorceress.

2. A horse, especially one that is worn out or of poor condition.

3. A person who is unpleasant, especially an older woman.

Usage Examples

1. "The old woman was rumored to be a hag who lived in the forest."

2. "The weary traveler spoke of a tired and haggard horse, fit only for the fields."

3. "Her harsh words were often seen as the work of a real hag."

Etymology

The word "hag" is of Old English origin, derived from the word "hægtesse," meaning "witch" or "sorceress," which itself comes from Proto-Germanic "hagatus" meaning "fury" or "evil spirit." Over time, the term became associated with old women, particularly those believed to possess supernatural powers.

Synonyms

Witch, crone, sorceress, enchantress, old woman, fiend

Antonyms

Beauty, maiden, young woman, angel, saint

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In various languages and regions, "hag" is often used to denote an older, unpleasant woman with supernatural connotations, though regional variations often lead to slightly different pronunciations, such as in the case of different accents in English or regional pronunciations in languages like Hindi, Bengali, or Tamil.

Historical Usage

The term "hag" has a long history in folklore, where it was commonly used to describe a witch or a woman believed to possess magical powers, often associated with evil or malice. In medieval and early modern times, the label of "hag" was often applied to older women who were considered outcasts, particularly those living alone or practicing herbal medicine. Over time, the word evolved to include connotations of both old age and unpleasantness.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, the image of the "hag" has been perpetuated in stories, fairy tales, and folklore, often as the antagonist. In these stories, hags were depicted as figures who wielded great power, but their powers were often viewed with suspicion or fear. In modern usage, the word can carry a derogatory implication, especially when used to describe older women, reflecting negative stereotypes about aging and power.

More Information

The word "hag" continues to carry various meanings, particularly in folklore, where it refers to a female figure known for magical or evil powers. In the context of modern language, "hag" is still used to describe an old, ugly woman, and its negative connotations have led to discussions about the intersection of aging and societal perceptions of beauty and worth. In literature and media, the "hag" remains a common trope, appearing in characters such as the "Old Hag" in folklore or the "Wicked Witch of the West" in "The Wizard of Oz."