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In the world of literature and writing, certain words take on unique meanings that can often confuse those outside the field. Here’s a look at 20 words that possess entirely different connotations for English majors, shedding light on the nuances of literary language in 2026.
1. Epic
What it means to everyone else: Something extraordinarily impressive or exciting. Ex: “Dude, that party was epic!”
What it means to English Majors: A lengthy narrative poem that explores significant events central to the identity or survival of a culture or nation.
2. Stanza
What it means to everyone else: A name that sounds like it belongs to a character from a fantasy series. Ex: “You know that girl Stanza from Game of Thrones?” “You mean, Sansa?” “Whatever. She’s hot.”
What it means to English Majors: A grouped set of lines within a poem, functioning as a complete thought or thematic unit.
3. Orality
What it means to everyone else: Well, what do you think? It’s about speaking, right?
What it means to English Majors: The characteristics of literature that emphasize spoken word, intended for performance through reading or singing.
4. Parody
What it means to everyone else: Humorous imitations in film and television, like “Frankenstein” or “The Princess Bride.”
What it means to English Majors: A literary technique that mimics the style of other works to create humor or critique.
5. Beast Fable
What it means to everyone else: Is that the latest movie in the Harry Potter franchise? When’s it coming out?
What it means to English Majors: A satirical narrative featuring anthropomorphized animals, designed to convey moral lessons about human behavior.
6. Debate
What it means to everyone else: “Can we please just get through this election already?”
What it means to English Majors: A classical genre often characterized by the exploration of opposing viewpoints, frequently involving representative figures from society.
7. Fabliau
What it means to everyone else: Huh?
What it means to English Majors: A brief, often humorous medieval narrative poem, typically focused on the humorous or scandalous behavior of its characters.
8. Conflict
What it means to everyone else: The struggle of choosing between three favorite movies streaming simultaneously.
What it means to English Majors: The central struggle or opposition faced by characters, essential for driving the narrative forward.
9. Query
What it means to everyone else: A straightforward question.
What it means to English Majors: A formal letter or email sent to editors, agents, or publishers, often in hopes of publication.
10. Fantasy
What it means to everyone else: Something imaginative or even a bit risqué that you dream about. For more details, ask Luda.
What it means to English Majors: A genre of storytelling that includes magical elements and fantastical creatures.
11. Hook
What it means to everyone else: A tool for fishing.
What it means to English Majors: The opening line, paragraph, or scene of a story that captures the reader’s attention immediately.
12. 1984
What it means to everyone else: Just a year… Oh wait, is that Taylor Swift’s latest album?
What it means to English Majors: George Orwell’s pivotal novel, frequently revisited for its themes of surveillance and totalitarianism.
13. Math
What it means to everyone else: A subject studied in school and frequently applied in everyday life.
What it means to English Majors: A subject typically encountered only in a single semester, often deemed unnecessary for literary pursuits.
14. Science
What it means to everyone else: An academic discipline with practical applications in daily life.
What it means to English Majors: Is that what you mean by science fiction?
15. MS
What it means to everyone else: Ms.—the abbreviation for Miss.
What it means to English Majors: MS stands for manuscript, a term that represents the many submissions sent to editors and publishers.
16. Point of view
What it means to everyone else: The perspective from which someone views an issue.
What it means to English Majors: The narrative perspective from which a story is told, such as first, second, or third person.
17. Royalty
What it means to everyone else: A group of nobility.
What it means to English Majors: The share of book sales revenue paid to authors, calculated as a percentage of the retail price.
18. Animal Farm
What it means to everyone else: An idealized sanctuary for farm animals, often imagined in lush landscapes.
What it means to English Majors: A poignant allegorical novella that critiques totalitarian regimes, particularly reflecting on events in Soviet Russia.
19. Slush pile
What it means to everyone else: The slushy mess that forms on the streets after a snowfall.
What it means to English Majors: The collection of unsolicited manuscripts that editors receive, often seen as the graveyard for aspiring authors.
20. Atmosphere
What it means to everyone else: The layer of gases surrounding a planet; basically, the air you breathe.
What it means to English Majors: The emotional setting or ambiance created within a literary work, shaping the reader’s experience.
Understanding these words can enhance your appreciation for literature and the intricacies of language. Whether you’re an aspiring writer or just a lover of words, recognizing the distinctions in meaning can deepen your engagement with the texts you encounter.
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
