Google’s rendition of the word “wild” refers to an animal, plant, person, or place that is not domesticated, cultivated, and primitive. It is an adjective used to describe other things. As a noun, it is a place that is in its original condition. Oxford Dictionary also mentions it can be used to relate something that is out of control, or something that is not carefully planned out. The Cambridge Dictionary adds that “wild” can describe wild as something unusual to the point where it is attractive or exciting. There are multiple contexts this term can be used in and slight variations in what the word can mean, but there seems to be two very different meanings based on the formality of the discussion.
In everyday language, the word “wild” is used to describe an exciting weekend, extreme anger, or outrageous ideas. In causal contexts, a word I think of being a close synonym or substitute to “wild” is the word “crazy.” People commonly describe parties, angry people, and dumb ideas to be crazy and carries similar meaning. This word usually carries a negative connotation, but in some slang it can have a positive one. If someone’s sneakers are wild, they could mean they are ridiculously cool or appealing. Depending on the way and interpretation, wild can be a compliment too. In formal settings, this word is used as a descriptor for the untamed. Often times the word wild is used to describe indigenous populations, or people who do not conform to society. This is almost commentary and a paradox on the nature of our world that if things are left in their natural state, they are seen as absurd and out of this world.
This is a great example as I thought the word “wild” meant the same thing before this class. I agree with you how the word can have it’s own negative and positive connotations. If it wasn’t for this class I would have never thought that one word could have so many meanings to it. We all use the word “wild” depending on the context we are in, but it was really nice to reflect on the many meanings of the word itself.