Language evolves .
It can have different even contradictory usages over time or space.

In Oz everyone is mate , for others it is a job as a seaman or English for chum/pal
Spacing and pronuncitaion or intonation may also be crucial.

Imagine impressing a 19 year old by saying I have a MANDATE as Mao or Trump might boast, However I have a man date may not impress the ladies so much!

Mean many uses

He was a mean host only lavendar tea no biscuits.............NEGATIVE

It was the typical mean Temperature...............................NEUTRAL

He was a mean player of the fiddle and pocket billiards.....POSITIVE

For spell hounds there's a vas deferens between I am going to a reading festival and
I am playing at THE READING FESTIVAL

Tree huggers may like bark, dog haters not so much

Being vain in the mirror may all be in vain

Our Daily moan column is a famous grouse thread only relieved by THE FAMOUS GROUSE

Playing a bass can be a musician or fisherman

Playing the organ .........................well I leave that up to your imagination

Please ignore this baloney sandwich I blame the sausages and dear hunters