While the two names nail and screw have similar shapes and functions, why do the verbs differ so much? Someone has screwed something sounds like they have ruined something to me, while someone has nailed something sounds like they have successfully accomplished the thing.
So why have these similar words acquired this much dissimilarity?
(1) : to mistreat or exploit through extortion, trickery, or unfair actions; especially : to deprive of or cheat out of something due or expected (2) : to treat so as to bring about injury or loss (as to a person's reputation) —often used as a generalized curse
to perform or complete perfectly or impressively
From Urban Dictionary (which I am aware is not a reliable source, but sometimes it can be helpful):
- To be in serious trouble.
- A word describing something in a state of disrepair.
A word to describe a person who is heavily under the influence of alcohol and/or narcotic material, to an extent where it affects their behavioural patterns.
- "When my parents found out I killed their parrot, I'm screwed!"
- "Wow, someone screwed that car up pretty bad!"
- "Wow, that guy is screwed!"
Having completed a task with great accuracy.
"A+! I nailed that test."
"I threw the rock and, nailed that guy between the eyes!"
It would be invaluable, if someone could elaborate more on the historical etymology of these definitions as well.