DON'T SAY THAT!!! The Euphemism Treadmill - Is your English up to date?

Summary

This video explores the concept of the euphemism treadmill, highlighting how language evolves over time to avoid offensive or outdated terms. Through examples like the shifting terms for disability, ethnicity, and even bodily functions, the video demonstrates how words gain negative connotations and are replaced with more polite expressions. The speaker discusses how seemingly innocuous terms can become tainted and how society continuously strives to be more respectful. The video emphasizes the importance of adapting language while acknowledging the challenges of keeping up with evolving terminology.

Takeaways

• 😀 Language evolves over time as society's perceptions change, leading to the creation of euphemisms.
• 😀 The term 'lame' for disability has evolved from a neutral term for animals to one considered disrespectful when referring to people.
• 😀 The concept of the 'euphemism treadmill' refers to the continuous cycle of replacing words that acquire negative connotations.
• 😀 Words like 'handicapped' and 'disabled' have undergone shifts in meaning and acceptance, reflecting changing societal attitudes.
• 😀 Terms like 'African American' or 'Black' are preferred by some but not universally accepted, highlighting the diversity of opinion within communities.
• 😀 The term 'Indian' for indigenous peoples was based on a misunderstanding but has evolved into terms like 'Native American' or specific tribal names.
• 😀 Euphemisms for sensitive topics such as pregnancy and disability have changed over time to avoid discomfort or negative implications.
• 😀 The word 'bastard' once referred to an illegitimate child but has since evolved to carry a more derogatory meaning, leading to new, less stigmatizing alternatives.
• 😀 The term 'Negro' was widely used in the past but became outdated as it carried racial connotations, leading to the preference for 'Black' or 'African American'.
• 😀 As cultural sensitivity grows, terms like 'Oriental' and 'Persian' have been replaced to better reflect people’s self-identifications and avoid cultural misrepresentations.

Q & A

Why is the term 'lame' used differently for animals and humans?

The term 'lame' was historically used for both animals and humans to describe someone who cannot walk properly. However, over time, its use for people evolved due to negative connotations. In modern language, calling a person 'lame' is considered disrespectful, while it still applies to animals, particularly in a race context.

What is the 'euphemism treadmill'?

The euphemism treadmill is a phenomenon where a word or phrase starts with a neutral or respectful meaning, but over time, it becomes associated with negative or offensive connotations. As a result, people try to find a new, more respectful term, which eventually goes through the same cycle.

Why did 'handicapped' fall out of favor and what replaced it?

'Handicapped' was replaced because it began to be viewed as inappropriate and insensitive. In the 1990s, 'disabled' became the preferred term, although some people now find it problematic as well.

What is the origin of the word 'toilet' and its euphemistic evolution?

The word 'toilet' originally referred to a piece of cloth used for dressing. Over time, it evolved to mean a bathroom, influenced by the euphemistic desire to avoid more crude language. It later became a standard term for a bathroom, although other terms like 'bathroom' and 'restroom' emerged, especially in American English.

How did the term 'ass' evolve in American and British English?

In British English, 'ass' was originally used to refer to a donkey, avoiding the cruder connotation of the word in American English. Over time, 'ass' became used to describe someone stubborn or foolish, especially in British literature. However, due to American influence, this usage is becoming less common.

What was the impact of the term 'pregnant' in 1950s America?

In 1950s America, the term 'pregnant' was avoided on television because it was thought to be too controversial and could corrupt young viewers. In shows like 'I Love Lucy,' where the main character became pregnant, euphemisms like 'with child' were used to skirt around the direct mention of pregnancy.

How did terms for intellectual disabilities evolve in the 20th century?

In the early 20th century, terms like 'idiot' and 'imbecile' were used clinically to describe different levels of intellectual disability. However, these terms became derogatory, and new terms like 'intellectually challenged' and 'learning difficulties' were coined to offer a more respectful and neutral description.

What is the historical usage of the word 'bastard'?

The word 'bastard' originally referred to a child born out of wedlock, especially the illegitimate offspring of nobility. Over time, it became a derogatory term used to insult people, but its original meaning has mostly faded, and terms like 'non-marital child' or 'love child' are now used.

Why did the term 'negro' lose favor in describing Black individuals?

The term 'negro' was once used in a neutral or even respectful way, but over time, it became associated with outdated racial ideas and discrimination. It was replaced by 'colored' in the 1970s, which also fell out of favor, eventually leading to the use of 'African American' in the 1990s, though this term does not resonate with all people.

What are some different terms used to describe indigenous peoples of the Americas?

The term 'Indian' was originally used due to a European misunderstanding, but it was replaced with 'Native American' in the U.S. Many indigenous people, however, prefer terms specific to their tribes or 'First Nations' in Canada. The term 'Indian' is still used in some contexts but is viewed as offensive in others.