What does bastardising mean?
The verb 'bastardising' refers to the act of making something worse or less good by changing it in a way that is not careful or thoughtful. This can involve introducing new elements that are not in line with the original intention or values. The term is often used in a negative sense, implying a loss of quality or integrity. It can be used in formal or informal contexts, but is more commonly used in British English. The word has its roots in the adjective 'bastard', which means illegitimate or of poor quality. The verb form 'bastardising' is derived from this adjective and is used to describe the process of making something worse or less good. In a broader sense, the term can be used to describe any situation where something is changed in a way that is not careful or thoughtful, resulting in a loss of quality or integrity. This can be seen in various contexts, including business, politics, and social issues. The word is often used in conjunction with other terms that convey a sense of degradation or deterioration, such as 'degrading' or 'deteriorating'. Overall, 'bastardising' is a useful term for describing situations where something is changed in a way that is not careful or thoughtful, resulting in a loss of quality or integrity.
verbTo make something worse or less good by changing it in a way that is not careful or thoughtful.
- To make something worse or less good by changing it in a way that is not careful or thoughtful.
"The new management was accused of bastardising the company's values by introducing a more profit-driven approach."
"The new policy was accused of bastardising the original intention by introducing a more restrictive approach."
"The company's efforts to improve the product were seen as a positive move, rather than a bastardising of the original design."
The plural form 'bastardisings' is used to describe multiple instances of the verb, such as 'The company's efforts to improve the product were seen as a positive move, rather than a bastardising of the original design, but the new management's approach was a series of bastardisings that ultimately led to the company's downfall.'
"The company's efforts to improve the product were seen as a positive move, rather than a bastardising of the original design, but the new management's approach was a series of bastardisings that ultimately led to the company's downfall."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of bastardising
The verb 'bastardising' is derived from the adjective 'bastard', which means illegitimate or of poor quality. The term 'bastard' is thought to have originated in the 14th century, and was used to describe children born out of wedlock. Over time, the term took on a broader meaning, encompassing not just children born out of wedlock, but also anything that was considered illegitimate or of poor quality. The verb form 'bastardising' is a relatively recent development, and is thought to have emerged in the 20th century. It is likely that the verb form was created as a way of describing the process of making something worse or less good, rather than simply describing something as illegitimate or of poor quality.
How bastardising is actually used
This verb is often used in a negative sense, implying a loss of quality or integrity. It can be used in formal or informal contexts, but is more commonly used in British English.