The article considers two semantic processes in concrete lexis. One of them is called an activation of so called ‘unadorned metaphors’, which appear on the basis of real features of the object. As opposed to connotative metaphors, ugly metaphors create open semantic structures (a brick – an object in a shape of a brick, etc.) Interestingly, these metaphors possess identificational nature, that is why the lexicographers do not consider these meanings to be figurative. 

The author draws your attention to the fact that the meanings of this type can be predictable to a certain extent. If the transfer of the names is based on a certain feature, new meanings, as a rule, will include this feature as a key component.

The second process is changing one hyponym for another (bed-bunk, hospital – polyclinic), which often leads to the disappearance of one of the hyponyms from the colloquial speech and, therefore, leads to impoverishment of language. We do not mean the use of certain temporary nominations, but an active process affecting the lexis of Russian language. Both processes are peculiar to different types of colloquial Russian speech.