So we devised the PET method for submitting queries to us. Also, the fact that there is only one E in PET is a reminder that you should inquire about only one word per e-mail. Finally, T is the first letter of the word thanks , which we also do not mind hearing. Now, on to C's query. The original form of savage carried no negative connotations at all.
All languages are constantly in a state of flux.
Spellings change, pronunciations change, meanings change. Nevertheless, I must admit to being peeved and disgruntled when I see a word take on a completely new meaning out of sheer ignorance. Such is the case with pristine . This phrase was meant to indicate that the car, house or whatever was absolutely immaculate. This meaning started showing up in dictionaries in the 1970s, but only as a secondary meaning.