Lecture on Euphemistic Language

Key Themes

• Euphemistic Language: Critique of how euphemisms conceal reality and make language less direct.
• American Culture and Reality: Discussion on America's difficulty in facing truth and reality through softened language.

Examples of Euphemistic Language Over Time

Military Terminology

• World War I: The term "shell shock" used for combat stress.
• World War II: Changed to "battle fatigue."
• Korean War: Became "operational exhaustion."
• Vietnam War: Evolved into "post-traumatic stress disorder."

Everyday Language Changes

• Old Terms vs. New Terms:
  • Toilet paper → Bathroom tissue
  • Sneakers → Running shoes
  • False teeth → Dental appliances
  • Used cars → Previously owned transportation
  • Room service → Guest room dining
  • Constipation → Occasional irregularity

Societal Implications

• Economic and Social Conditions:

  • Poor people → Economically disadvantaged
  • Fired employees → No longer viable members of the workforce

• Institutional Language:

  • CIA "neutralizes" instead of kills
  • Government "engages in disinformation" instead of lies
  • "Sunshine units" for nuclear radiation

Critique of Modern Euphemisms

• Airline Industry: "Pre-board" for boarding process.

• Disability Language:

  • Cripples → Physically challenged
  • Deaf → Hearing impaired
  • Blind → Visually impaired

• Perception of Aging and Death:

  • Old people → Senior citizens
  • "90 years young" for elderly
  • "Pass away" or "expire" instead of die

Conclusion

• Euphemistic language obscures reality and truth, often creating a detachment from real experiences.
• Cultural fear of aging and death leads to softened language.
• The speaker emphasizes the importance of direct, honest language and critiques the progression towards euphemisms.