Pages tagged "euphemisms"
A spade is a spade: why correct language is so important
Aug 23, 2016
by Paul Russell:
"In our time, political speech and writing are largely the defence of the indefensible... Thus political language has to consist largely of euphemism, question-begging and sheer cloudy vagueness."
George Orwell, Essay: Politics and the English Language (1946)
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Euthanasia - if it's not killing, then what is it?
Jun 17, 2013
Advocates for euthanasia know that, to achieve their agenda, they need to change the language with which we discuss the issue. If, as I have done, I use statements such as 'state-sanctioned killing' or 'when a doctor kills...' or even 'death by lethal injection' I'm said to be being 'harsh', 'inflammatory' or, the obvious: 'that's not helpful!' Not helpful? Indeed, it's not helpful to the pro-euthanasia agenda precisely because such comments are accurate. As any salesman knows, you can dress the product up with fancy words and sweet talk; but, at the end of the transaction, the customer still gets the same product.
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Euthanasia's euphemisms
Feb 26, 2013
Here's a great summary of the changes in language employed by those who support changes to the law. This is a time-honoured campaigning tool for anyone who has ever tried to win an argument - but when dealing with life and death - it's just not appropriate. writes:
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