Because no one else had updated when I checked 3 times in the last 5 minutes

[stargazersal04]

Exceptionally bored, even though I have a ton of homework to do.

Here's a question seeking an answer. Maybe if I like your answer, I'll send you a pretty postcard or something. :)

When we say something is "terrific" it's good.
When we say something is "horrific" it's bad.

But they come from terror and horror, right? Both of which are negative

Comments

[agentcalavera9]

From http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=terrific:

1667, "frightening," from L. terrificus "causing terror or fear," from terrere "fill with fear" (see terrible) + root of facere "to make" (see factitious). Weakened sensed of "very great, severe" (e.g. terrific headache) appeared 1809; colloquial sense of "excellent" began 1888.

Basically what I would have said. The original root expresses fear, but as an adjective form, terrific became less and less of "so huge it causes fear" and more and more "so huge that it's sick nasty wonderful."

8466 Granite Square Station
Durham, NH 03824. I expect something pretty. ;) hahaha

[stargazersal04]

You win. I'm glad someone else out there was checking their friends page obsessively... I somehow thought it might be you. :)

[agentcalavera9]

I was going to try to deny that I check my friends page obsessively, but then I remembered that...I really do. I have no liiiiiiiiife.

With that said, I'm off to the SCAN-TV meeting ;)

[theladyisavamp]

Well why is it that when something is "wicked" it is cool, and not evil.

[stargazersal04]

Because we're from New England... or from Hogwarts. Basically.