Get the Eupheminism mug.A euphemism is a term or a phrase used by individuals to refer to a controversial topic as overwhelmingly inoffensive as possible, as opposed to being politically incorrect (aka "enthusiastically offensive").
Unfortunately, the overuse of a euphemism will eventually devolve its meaning to the extent that itself becomes politically incorrect and will have to be replaced with another euphemism. This is a sociolinguistic phenomenon to as the "euphemism treadmill".
Unfortunately, the overuse of a euphemism will eventually devolve its meaning to the extent that itself becomes politically incorrect and will have to be replaced with another euphemism. This is a sociolinguistic phenomenon to as the "euphemism treadmill".
The term "mental retardation" was once a euphemism and politically correct term used to describe stupidity. The previous term was imbecile which was an actual medical category which comprised of idiots (IQ 0 to 25), imbeciles (IQ 26 to 50), and morons (IQ 51 to 70).
Over time, mental retardation and its associated verb "retard" became as corrupted as "imbecile" and "idiot" and was eventually replaced with "intellectual disability". It is now only a matter of time when being "disabled" is offensive and once again, slides down the euphemism treadmill.
Over time, mental retardation and its associated verb "retard" became as corrupted as "imbecile" and "idiot" and was eventually replaced with "intellectual disability". It is now only a matter of time when being "disabled" is offensive and once again, slides down the euphemism treadmill.
by Ἀπολλύων October 21, 2016
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The process by which a pejorative term is replaced by a more politically correct term, only to over time be corrupted and used pejoratively itself until a new term is introduced, upon which the cycle repeats itself.
So named because walking on a treadmill gives you the illusion of going somewhere, when actually not making any progress. Basically a form of political correctness masturbation.
So named because walking on a treadmill gives you the illusion of going somewhere, when actually not making any progress. Basically a form of political correctness masturbation.
The best example of a euphemism treadmill is the word "retarded", which was originally adopted as a more apt and kinder alternative to previous medical terms such as "moron", "imbecile", and "idiot".
"Retarded" is currently considered a pejorative insult, so new terms have been invented such as "special needs" and "intellectualy disabled" , which will in time become pejorative insults themselves. Thus retarded SJW's, downie parents, and the self-righteous will always have something to bitch about.
"Retarded" is currently considered a pejorative insult, so new terms have been invented such as "special needs" and "intellectualy disabled" , which will in time become pejorative insults themselves. Thus retarded SJW's, downie parents, and the self-righteous will always have something to bitch about.
by Frank Marlowe May 12, 2016
Get the euphemism treadmill mug.1. the substitution of a milder, vaguer word or expression for one considered to be offensive or unpleasant.
2. the word or expression so substituted.
2. the word or expression so substituted.
"Put to sleep" is a euphemism for "kill".
by ed January 19, 2003
Get the euphemism mug.A word people use because they like deceiving themselves to believe we live in a Utopia.
Mostly they're used by organizations and "considerate" people who don't want to offend the "situationally disturbed" citizens.
George Carlin, a comedian, did a great schpiel about euphemisms once. (A few of the following examples are in his speech.)
You should read it. It may not "open your eyes," but you'll realize how much we like to disguise our speech and blind ourselves. Disguising a condition with nicer, longer words doesn't change the fact that you still have the condition. Sorry.
(Note: Not all examples {e.g. black/white} are "conditions" or negative at all}
Mostly they're used by organizations and "considerate" people who don't want to offend the "situationally disturbed" citizens.
George Carlin, a comedian, did a great schpiel about euphemisms once. (A few of the following examples are in his speech.)
You should read it. It may not "open your eyes," but you'll realize how much we like to disguise our speech and blind ourselves. Disguising a condition with nicer, longer words doesn't change the fact that you still have the condition. Sorry.
(Note: Not all examples {e.g. black/white} are "conditions" or negative at all}
IMO, There's nothing wrong with most of the following conditions; they just warrant a euphemism because society can't accept reality. Many are unavoidable.
I just call 'em like I see em.
Nobody:
is old, they're elderly senior citizens.
is gay, they're homosexual.
is poor, they're in poverty.
is black, they're African American.
is white, they're Caucasian.
is fat, they're obese.
is a slut, they're promiscuous.
is crippled, they're handicapped.
is deaf, they're hearing impaired.
is blind, they're visually impaired.
is retarded, they're mentally challenged.
is short, they're vertically challenged.
is stupid, they're academically challenged.
I could go on.
I just call 'em like I see em.
Nobody:
is old, they're elderly senior citizens.
is gay, they're homosexual.
is poor, they're in poverty.
is black, they're African American.
is white, they're Caucasian.
is fat, they're obese.
is a slut, they're promiscuous.
is crippled, they're handicapped.
is deaf, they're hearing impaired.
is blind, they're visually impaired.
is retarded, they're mentally challenged.
is short, they're vertically challenged.
is stupid, they're academically challenged.
I could go on.
by ~The Nameless One~ December 28, 2005
Get the euphemism mug.a less direct word used to refer to something unpleasant or embarrassing, often so as to avoid offence.
it was a euphemism for ignorance.
by it's d queen June 5, 2020
Get the euphemism mug.by the koz October 24, 2003
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