The language says whatever you want it to

 Which is good, on balance. But confusing at times, as well. Take, for example, the word "populism."

Here's an article from the Los Angeles Times, dated 1985, retrieved from Wikipedia.

Texas’ New-Style Agriculture Commissioner : Jim Hightower Carries His Message of a New Populist Movement Nationwide

Friend of the people, Jim Hightower was, a progressive paragon.

But now, from this month's Atlantic…

Populism Is Undefeated

The U.S. election proves that this divisive style of politics is still viable.

Populism has become the voice of the incorrigible deplorables. Needs to be defeated.

Granted, 1985 was somewhere near the dawn of time, but still.