Biblioklept In his new book Euphemania, a cultural history of euphemisms, Ralph Keyes takes a frank and often bawdy look at why we use euphemisms in social and political discourse, even when such evasions can degrade communication. “We all rely on euphemisms to tiptoe around what makes us uneasy, and have done so for most …
internet-euphemania
Readaholic
Readaholic I had so much fun reading this book! EUPHEMANIA is unbelievably witty and entertaining. I never really gave much thought about where euphemisms came from and why they started. Ever since I finished reading this book, I’ve noticed how much I use them and it’s astounding! When you’re in the mood to learn something …
The First Gates
The First Gates Show of hands: how many know why the British used to refer to bedbugs as Norfolk-Howards? Just as I thought. Or why a one-o’clock meant a fart in Australia? You can find out in: Euphemania: Our Love Affair With Euphemisms, by Ralph Keyes. Answers: * In Victorian England, “bug” was a vulgar …
Plime
Plime “[At] one time, Patagonian toothfish was freely available to anyone because no one wanted to eat it,” Keyes says, “until a very clever entrepreneurial sea importer renamed it Chilean sea bass.” Current events have also provided ample fodder for euphemisms — think “wardrobe malfunction,” “wide stance” or “hiking the Appalachian trail,” a phrase made …
Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers
Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers First things first…what IS a euphemism? What…you didn’t think that I’d just assume everyone knows what that word means, did you? Pffft! No way. It’s one of those oddball words that’s fun to say, hard to spell, and used in conversation rather often but not directly. (Confused? You’ll see…) A ‘euphemism’ …
npr.org
Talk of the Nation Ralph Keyes, author of many books including the new Euphemania: Our Love Affair with Euphemisms, talks about the prevalence of euphemisms in our culture—particularly when talking politics. ‘Pushing Up Daisies’ And Our Passion For Euphemisms From “passed away” to “Chilean sea bass,” euphemisms are a way to avoid unpleasant terms or …