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Why Americans Use Euphemisms |
Comedian George Carlin is famous for talking about
language. He is famous for criticizing indirect or
overly pleasant speech. Consider these lines from one of
his performances:
"I don't like words that hide the truth. I don't like
words that conceal reality. I don't like euphemisms – or
euphemistic language. And American English is loaded
with euphemisms. Because Americans have a lot of trouble
dealing with reality."
Today we will explore the case of euphemisms – pleasant
or nice words that take the place of direct language. We
will give you examples of euphemisms, and explain why
they are so common.
Direct speech and politeness
In earlier Everyday Grammar stories, we discussed how
Americans sometimes choose indirect speech. They
consider it to be more polite.
What takes the place of direct speech?
Americans often replace it with creative noun phrases,
phrasal verbs, or expressions. These words give the same
basic meaning as direct language, but they have a very
different style.
Americans often use euphemisms when talking about
sensitive topics – death, love, body processes, anything
they might not want to speak of directly.
Here is an example.
Consider the noun, alcohol. Alcohol consumption can be a
taboo topic in American society. So, some restaurants
and stores sell adult beverages instead.
The term adult beverages is a euphemism. It refers to
alcohol, but in an indirect manner.
Euphemisms and death
You might think that euphemisms are very informal, or
slang. You might think that euphemisms are silly.
But, Americans often use euphemisms when talking about
serious issues – death, for one.
Consider the verb die. In euphemistic language,
Americans often replace it with the phrasal verb, pass
away.
When expressing news about a person's death, Americans
might say, "I was sad to hear that so-and-so passed
away."
Americans often send condolence cards to those who have
lost friends or family. These condolence cards often do
not use the verb die. Instead, they use euphemistic or
indirect language.
Here is another example. Instead of saying euthanize, or
even kill, Americans might say, put to sleep.
Put to sleep sounds much gentler and kinder than
euthanize or kill.
Parents often use this structure when a child's beloved
pet needs to be euthanized by a veterinarian. The reason
they do this is to avoid making the child sadder about
the situation.
Food and euphemisms
Euphemisms are not always used to talk about sensitive
topics. Sometimes business people create euphemisms to
increase sales.
Consider this example.
If you were to ask Americans if they would like to eat
Patagonian toothfish, they would probably say no.
Toothfish just does not sound like an appealing food to
eat.
However, if you were to ask Americans if they would like
to eat Chilean sea bass, they might say yes.
The two names refer to the exact same kind of fish.
Ralph Keyes is an author. He wrote "Euphemania," a book
about euphemisms.
In an interview with NPR, Keyes noted that "[At] one
time, Patagonian toothfish was freely available to
anyone because no one wanted to eat it…until a very
clever entrepreneurial sea importer renamed it Chilean
sea bass."
Now, you will see Chilean sea bass on menus at expensive
restaurants. The lowly toothfish has come a long way!
Euphemisms and style
Euphemisms often make sentences longer. They can also
take away clarity – especially in writing.
For these reasons, writing style guides often recommend
that writers not use euphemisms or indirect language.
Whether you like euphemisms or not, you should learn
some of the common ones. They play a part in American
culture – for better or for worse.
The next time you are watching a film, listening to
music or reading the news, try to look for euphemistic
language. Ask yourself why the speaker or writer might
want to use a euphemism instead of direct language.
We will leave you with a euphemism from the 2004 comedy,
Anchorman. Actor Will Ferrell is expressing surprise.
Instead of using bad or offensive words, he refers to
Odin, a character in Norse mythology.
Americans do not use this expression. They rarely refer
to Norse mythology. That is part of the humor of the
line.
Great Odin's Raven!
I'm Pete Musto.
And I'm John Russell.br />
JJohn Russell wrote this story for Learning English.
Mario Ritter was the editor. |
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