The history behind hanged/hung is actually very interesting and full of inconsistencies dating back centuries, and may very well have just been a legal term that never changed with the language.
Though as we know, not all linguistic evolution is good.
I was referencing only accepted modern usage and not history or evolution
Thanx for the extra data - I went to the source to check it out:
As a method of execution the word [hang] is attested in late Old English (but originally specifically of crucifixion). A Cincinnati source from 1838 describes it euphemistically as "encountering atmospheric suspension" ["Tales and Sketches of the Queen City"]. The meaning "to come to a standstill" (as especially in hung jury) is from 1848, American English. Hung emerged as past participle 16c. in northern England dialect, and hanged endured in legal language (which tends to be conservative) in reference to capital punishment and in metaphors extended from it (I'll be hanged).
upvoted
BTW, hanged not hung ;)
Thanks.
I fixed it.
The history behind hanged/hung is actually very interesting and full of inconsistencies dating back centuries, and may very well have just been a legal term that never changed with the language.
Though as we know, not all linguistic evolution is good.
I was referencing only accepted modern usage and not history or evolution
Thanx for the extra data - I went to the source to check it out:
https://www.etymonline.com/word/hanged#etymonline_v_34143