An englishman, described as an aid worker, takes aid to Syria as part of an aid convoy. He wants to ensure the aid goes to children, not murderers. With the aid of a sharp blade and social media, the murderers shock the world. So we send bombers to the aid of those fighting the murderers, using the latest technological aids. Elsewhere in the world, people need our aid in fighting a terrible disease. Luckily the aid budget is ring-fenced, for now.In business, they speak of the halo effect. Some companies acquire an aura of sanctity they don’t necessarily deserve. It’s true with words, too. “Aid” is not all it seems. It means “helping to do good”, but also “helping to do bad”. And the bad came first.The ultimate source seems to be a Latin verb