When stupid people became minimally exceptional...

George Carlin - Soft Language

Wow.

In this video, George Carlin has done an amazing job in demonstrating the use of euphemisms, or 'soft language'. Through the video, he has given many examples of euphemisms that are commonly used (old people as senior citizens) to those that are hilariously indirect. My favorite: vomit as involuntary personal protein spill.

We have transformed words into less direct, little impact terms through using euphemisms or euphemistic language. Quoted from the comedian himself, they "hide the truth" and "conceal reality". Too true. His other examples regarding the government (lies as disinformation) and hospitals (malpractice as therapeutic misadventure) brings attention to the fact that even important institutions use euphemisms-to escape responsibility or conceal facts. It is just scary to think that euphemisms are used in so many areas of our lives for such purposes.

Take the example of Minibonds from the Lehman Brothers. Although named as such, Minibonds are "not bonds but a derivative product that offers investors little protection". Since these products are not actually bonds, why are they given this misleading name? And so, with the Lehman Brothers' collapse in America, Singaporean investors were not spared either. Tons of Singaporeans who have invested in Minibonds lost their life savings just like that, many of them old people who have low levels of education. All because of the deceptive terms that were used.

Language is a powerful tool, and can be used to sway decisions. Therefore it is important for us to discern the true meanings behind euphemisms to make wise decisions. Amidst the criticisms, semanticists got it right when they said meanings are contextual! We should check the territory, or even the aim for using certain words, to prevent being fooled. Why did the organization use this word? Does the language used seem to obscure true meaning? From mass media messages to government policies, euphemisms seem to be omnipresent. This is all the more why we should be careful not to let labels or language shape meanings more than the actual facts.

So much for euphemisms, huh.