You may have heard the term “legit” thrown around in casual conversations or even professional settings. But what exactly does it mean, and how has its usage evolved over time? In this blog post, we’ll delve into the origins, meanings, and various contexts in which the word “legit” is used, and explore some of the debates and opinions surrounding its use in language today. Additionally, we will discuss the meaning of legit, ensuring that you have a comprehensive understanding of this popular term.
Table of Contents
Short Summary
The term “legit” has evolved from its original meaning of something being genuine, legal and compliant with the rules to now include slang usage that implies something is valid, admirable or remarkable.
Pop culture has had a considerable influence on the meaning and usage of words such as “legit”, thereby demonstrating language’s dynamic nature.
Debates over linguistic acceptance, overuse & dilution of meanings exist but illustrate how language evolves through processes like borrowing & semantic change.
Understanding the Term “Legit”
The term “legit” is an abbreviation of “legitimate” and is used to indicate something that is conforming to the law or regulations, such as a perfectly legit business. It is known that the term “legit” has been in existence since the early 1900s, evolving in its application over time. Today, “legit” is employed to refer to something that is legitimate, like a fully legit operation, as well as being utilized as slang to indicate something that is fashionable or accepted.
In the following subsections, we’ll explore the different usages of “legit” as an adjective, adverb, and slang, and provide examples of how you might encounter the term in various contexts.
Adjective Usage
As an adjective, “legit” is derived from the term “legitimate” and is used to describe something that is genuine, legal, or compliant with the rules. However, in recent years, the modern synonym for words such as “cool,” “ill,” “tight,” or “dope” has also been applied to the word “legit” to describe a noun that is of a particularly excellent quality.
In informal conversations, ‘legit’ is typically employed to denote something that is valid, admirable, or remarkable. It can also be used to indicate approval or concurrence with something, like when someone says “I fucking told you it’s legit!”. This slang use of ‘legit’ has become popular in recent years and demonstrates how the word has evolved from its original meaning.
Adverb Usage
When used as an adjective, “legit” is employed to describe something that is cool, awesome, or impressive, often as slang. For example, you might hear someone exclaim, “This is legit shit!” to emphasize their admiration for something or someone. In a more formal context, “legit” can be used to describe something that is conducted in a legitimate or lawful way, such as “This report is legitimately impressive”.
The versatility of “legit” as an adverb allows it to be utilized in various contexts, from casual conversations to professional settings, and even creative expressions, like “This song is legit fire!”. This adaptability showcases the flexibility of the term and its ability to convey different meanings depending on the context.
Slang Usage
As slang, “legit” is an extremely popular yet poorly comprehended filler word. In this context, it is used to describe something that is genuine, authentic, or cool. It may also refer to something that is in accordance with the law or rules, but the primary focus is on its informal connotations.
This informal usage of “legit” has become widespread, demonstrating the word’s ability to adapt and evolve over time. Its popularity as slang showcases the ongoing evolution of language and the influence of pop culture on linguistic trends.
Evolution of “Legit”
The term “legit” is derived from the word “legitimate” and is typically used to describe something that is genuine or in accordance with the law or rules. Its evolution can be traced back to the early 1900s, with its application and meaning changing over time to encompass a variety of contexts and connotations.
In the following subsections, we’ll dive into:
The origins of “legit” as a shortened form of “legitimate”
Its development as a modern synonym for “genuine” or “authentic”
The influence of pop culture on its popularity and usage.
Shortened Form
The word “legit” is derived from the term “legitimate,” serving as an abbreviation of the longer word. This shortened form has become widely accepted and used in various contexts, both formal and informal.
The evolution of “legit” from its original meaning as an abbreviation of “legitimate” to its current usage as a slang term demonstrates how language can change over time, adapting to new contexts and incorporating different meanings.
Modern Synonym
As a modern synonym, “legit” has come to be associated with words like “genuine” and “authentic”. This shift in meaning showcases the word’s ability to evolve and adapt to the changing linguistic landscape. Examples of the contemporary synonym for “legit” include “the real deal,” “the real McCoy” and “the genuine article”. These expressions convey a sense of authenticity and legitimacy, highlighting the word’s versatility and its capacity to express various meanings depending on the context.
Pop Culture Influence
Popular culture has a significant impact on the term “legit” and its usage. As pop culture generates novel words and phrases, such as the colloquialism “legit,” it also influences societal norms and values, affecting how the term is comprehended and utilized in various contexts.
The influence of pop culture on the popularity and usage of “legit” highlights the ongoing evolution of language, demonstrating the adaptability of words and their ability to change meaning and usage over time.
Examples of “Legit” in Context
“Legit” can be found in various contexts, from everyday conversations to professional settings and even creative expressions. Its versatility allows it to convey different meanings and emotions depending on the situation and the speaker’s intent.
In the following subsections, we’ll provide examples of “legit” used in everyday conversations, professional settings, and creative expressions, illustrating the different ways in which the term can be employed and understood.
Everyday Conversations
In informal conversations, “legit” is often used to express approval or admiration for something or someone. For example, one might exclaim, “That’s so legit!” to indicate something of remarkable quality. This usage of “legit” demonstrates its flexibility and adaptability, allowing it to convey various meanings and emotions depending on the context.
As a slang term, “legit” has gained widespread acceptance and usage, making it a popular and recognizable part of everyday language. This familiarity makes it an effective means of expressing oneself in a creative and individualistic manner.
Professional Settings
While “legit” may be a common term in casual conversations, it’s important to consider its appropriateness in professional settings. In these contexts, it is more suitable to use formal language and abstain from slang. Words such as “legitimate,” “authentic,” and “genuine” are more appropriate choices when discussing matters in a professional environment.
In a legal context, for example, a lawyer could refer to a document as “legit” to denote that it is authentic and not counterfeit. However, using more formal language, like “legitimate,” would be a better choice in this situation to maintain professionalism and clarity.
Creative Expression
Creative expression is the utilization of imagination and artistic abilities to produce something distinctive, such as drawing, painting, writing, photography, and even developing one’s singing voice, among other forms of art. The term “legit” can be employed in creative expression to denote a feeling or emotion, characterize a situation, an individual, or an idea, or add emphasis to a phrase or sentence.
Examples of “legit” found in creative expression may include:
Drawing
Painting
Writing poetry
Scrapbooking
Playing guitar
Acrylic painting
Photography
Movement-based creative expression
The use of “legit” in these contexts showcases its adaptability and versatility, making it a valuable tool for artists and creators to express themselves and their ideas.
More examples of “Legit” in Context. Visit Sentence examples of “legit”
Debates and Opinions on “Legit”
As with any word that has evolved and adapted over time, there are debates and opinions surrounding the use of “legit” in language. Some individuals contend that the overutilization and debasement of the term has caused a diminution of its initial significance, while others argue that the term has been embraced into standard language and is now utilized and comprehended extensively.
In the following subsections, we’ll explore some of the debates and opinions surrounding the linguistic acceptance of “legit,” concerns about its overuse and dilution of meaning, and its role in the ongoing evolution of language.
Linguistic Acceptance
The linguistic acceptance of the term “legit” is a matter of personal opinion. Some may argue that its widespread usage in informal contexts and its adaptation as a slang term indicate a creative and unique way to express oneself. Others may consider its use as a sign of laziness and a lack of creativity, potentially diminishing the meaning of the word “legitimate”.
Ultimately, the acceptance of “legit” as a valid term in language depends on individual perspectives and preferences. As language continues to evolve, new words and meanings will emerge, and it’s up to speakers to determine their own linguistic boundaries and preferences.
Overuse and Dilution of Meaning
The excessive utilization of the term “legit” can lead to a reduction in its significance, render communication monotonous, and diminish its capacity to convey genuineness or trustworthiness. This overuse has implications for the clarity of communication, the potency of the word, and the probability of misunderstanding.
Examples of the overutilization and debasement of the meaning of “legit” include:
Its use to describe routine tasks or activities
Its use to describe something that is not truly legitimate
Its use as a catch-all phrase to describe anything
These instances demonstrate the potential consequences of overusing a term and diluting its meaning.
Evolving Language
Language is constantly evolving, with processes like borrowing, invention, and semantic change contributing to this ongoing transformation. The term “legit” has gained prominence in recent years and is used to denote something that is genuine, authentic, or of high quality. Its establishment in modern vernacular and widespread usage to express approval or admiration showcase its role in the evolution of language.
As language continues to change and adapt, words like “legit” will find new meanings and contexts, reflecting the dynamic nature of human communication and expression.
Summary
The term “legit” has come a long way from its origins as an abbreviation of “legitimate.” Through its various uses as an adjective, adverb, and slang term, “legit” has demonstrated its adaptability and versatility in language. As a reflection of evolving language and pop culture influence, the word “legit” serves as a reminder that language is a living, changing entity, shaped by the people who use it every day. Whether you embrace “legit” as a creative means of expression or prefer more traditional language, the ongoing evolution of words like “legit” invites us all to participate in the dynamic process of linguistic change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the full meaning of legit?
Legit is an informal way of saying that something is in accordance with the law or genuinely as intended, without being false or spurious.
Why do people say legit?
Describing something as “legit” means that it is in accordance with the law or a set of regulations. It is a way to confirm the validity and authenticity of a person or thing.
Is legit mean true?
Yes, LEGIT means true in the context of online conversations. It can be used to ask whether something is legitimate, real, or legal.
What is the origin of the term “legit”?
The term “legit” originated from the word “legitimate”, and is generally used to indicate something is genuine and legally accepted.
How is “legit” used as an adjective?
“Legit” is commonly used as an adjective to describe something that is genuine, legal, and compliant with the rules. It is often used to refer to something that is of high quality and trustworthy. It can also be used to describe someone who is reliable and trustworthy.
