WILDLIFE
FROM THE EDITOR
The time has come to trim misleading euphemisms from our language and get back to plainspoken English.
Merriam-Webster defines euphemism as “the substitution of an agreeable or inoffensive expression for one that may offend or suggest something unpleasant.”
The general purpose of language is to convey clear meanings and increase understanding.
A recent rash of euphemistic phrases some are trying to force into the American English lexicon in misguided efforts to soften or lessen the impact of accepted phrases are doing anything but adding clarity.
During my days at university studying journalism, an instructor posted an ironic sign that clearly illustrates the folly of this trend towards inventing wayward phraseology to hide or cushion the truth of words: “Eradicate obfuscation.”
In other words, speak plainly. Speak honestly. Speak truthfully.
Of course, don’t use words or pejorative phrases designed to hurt or offend, such as racial slurs or demeaning descriptions. You don’t have to be rude to communicate in an understandable fashion.
English is a beautiful, wonderful, expressive language and is basically the lingua franca of the planet. However, some folks want us to speak and write in neutral, watered-down words out of a naive concept that accepted everyday English might otherwise hurt someone’s feelings or make them feel less than human.
Thus, a pedophile becomes a “minor-attracted person,” a criminal offender is styled as a “justice-impacted person,” mothers become “birthing people” and so on.
Such substitutions are utterly ridiculous.
In the terms applying to the criminal-justice world, phrases such as “minor-attracted person” and “justiceimpacted person” are an attempt to de-emphasize the effects such conduct has on the victims of these individuals, making it seem like the perpetrator is the one being targeted.
America needs to come to its senses and return to clear and focused speech.
George Orwell, who was actually British journalist Eric Arthur Blair, noted in his novel “1984” that when government or groups control or reverse language, they also can adversely influence thought and even curtail the exercise of morals and positive action.
Some folks in the early 21st century have lost sight of what’s important: the truth.
Trying to change perfectly good, albeit sometimes blunt, words under the banner of improving self-esteem and giving verbal hugs may seem to be born from good intentions, but then we all know what the road to hell is paved with, don’t we?
Thomas Edwards
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