EIGHT WORDS CHANGED BY THE INTERNET

Block

Then: “To be placed in front of something, such as a road or path, so that people or things cannot pass.” Now: “To prevent someone from contacting you on a social network such as Twitter, or from viewing your profile.”

Cloud

Then: “A visible mass of particles of condensed vapour (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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”