Euphemistic Lives

This post is a spin-off from the article I read in Time, Words Don't Mean What They Mean. I started reminiscing on how true this actually is.

Every so often, I have heard people say things that are far too mild compared to what they actually want to say. We rely on euphemisms to soften up the social situation or sometimes to just hint at what we mean to express. Why is it so hard to say something candidly? Why do we play with words instead of unreservedly blurting out what is intended? After all, an onion wrapped in faux rose petals will still be an onion! Yet, we tend to take to euphemisms more easily as compared to the bare truth.

Maybe its easier said than done (pun intended)!

As far as being direct is concerned, we often wish to save face and hint at something instead of saying it unequivocally. It is human nature to be polite, for the most part. We do not want people to dislike us or to think ill of us, at least not deliberately... and hence the politeness.

Socially, this seems more acceptable, right? We don't want to intentionally hurt someone but at the same time, need to word our thoughts, for which this fits the bill perfectly. Moreover, it helps save face in case the situation back fires.

However, these may be a blessing in disguise to appeal to a person's sensitivity. It is easier on the ears to say that someone has passed away, rather than died. It is more agreeable to say between jobs than unemployed. And of course the very common term full-figured or healthy instead of fat.

I guess the eventually we will use the words we feel right, as and when the situation asks for it.