yeah, well you try finding a photo for this post
Even before I was “rightsized” I was never a fan of doublespeak. Sure, euphemisms have their place, especially if the intent is to keep from degrading someone. But what about referring to death as “negative patient care outcome or the especially mealy-mouthed and hateful “collateral damage”? “Now that “wardrobe malfunction has entered the lexicon, I look forward to using it the next time someone informs me that my pants are riding dangerously low, as they are wont to do.”
As I’ve mentioned before, airlines are a top source of obfuscation. “I once heard a flight attendant say, “We will now begin serving nutrition” which told me she felt dishonest calling it food.” When I was a lad, we had airsickness bags. Now they are apparently called “motion discomfort bags” and I wouldn’t be surprised if they soon become “wellness restoration receptacles”
I discovered a new one today that is very subtle, and as someone who has occasionally been employed to make bad stuff sound good, I had to admire it. I booked a flight this morning and asked for aisle seats on every leg. I got them on all but one “the longest, naturally” and was informed that I was in the “center seat for that portion of the journey. Ooh! The center! I’m not in the middle, I’m in the center! Everything will revolve around me!
What’s your favorite euphemism?