Euphemisms And Adverbs

The Sneaky Way Journalists, Politicians, and CEOs Weaken or Strengthen A Point Of View

We can pretend that it isnt, but it is. Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

You have to love the English language. It is a fascinating and infuriating thing that is ever-changing, evolving, and being manipulated. And not always in a good way. This is a story about the latter mentioned, manipulation.

Euphemisms:

These words and phrases were originally invented or designed to allow speakers and writers to address delicate or distressing topics with greater sensitivity, showing respect for the audience’s feelings. Like “passed on” for “died” for example. A harmless way to soften the blow somewhat.

However, various people and organizations (think journalists, politicians, and corporate leaders) have hijacked these well-intentioned parts of our language for their nefarious purposes. To conceal, disguise, obfuscate, and misdirect us for their own reasons.

Here are a couple of my favorites, from the world of work:

“We are downsizing, Chris, so I am afraid we must let you go”.

Reality: “The company is in the shit so we are firing people all over the place and you are one of them”.