March 9 – Taras Hryhorovych Shevchenko’s birthday On this day, it is worth remembering his unique contribution to the development of the Ukrainian language. Shevchenko himself not only left a poetic legacy, but also created a number of authorial neologisms that still sound in every corner of our literary tradition.
Shevchenko’s main inventions:
“High-headed”
This word first appeared in the poem “Katerina” It symbolizes nobility, pride and greatness, reflecting the inner beauty of a person. In the literal sense – a person who has a high forehead.
Under a mountain, a ravine, a valley,
Like those high-headed grandfathers,
The oaks from the hetmanate stand
“Fiery”
The word conveys burning energy, passion and the spirit of restlessness. It has become a symbol of strength and ardor that characterize not only the poet, but also the Ukrainian people. In the literal sense – the one who ignites or that which ignites, hot, burning.
“Morduvytsya”
This bright neologism adds liveliness to the language, reflecting the ease of perception of life’s difficulties and the ability to laugh even in the most difficult circumstances. In the literal sense – to experience difficulties, physical or moral suffering.
“Pochymchykuvaty”
Synonym for the word “to go”
“Pochymchykuwemo spochyvaty”, “Nabralsya yroditsya jugs vysoko, ta iz khutora vy pochymykuvaly”.
“Fortress”
Using this word, Shevchenko emphasized the steadfastness and steadfastness of the Ukrainian people in the struggle for freedom and independence. In the literal sense – a fortified point with strong capital buildings, a garrison, weapons and supplies or reliable protection, support, stronghold.
Shevchenko also owns such words as “preface” and “afterword”, “steep-eyed”, “clever-eyed”, “sly”.
However, there are words of Taras Hryhorovych that did not go down well with the masses:
Nedviga – inert person
Odina – loneliness
Zrishche – public review, shame