Government’s Usage of Euphemism: Introduction
Government’s Usage of Euphemism refers to the use of polite and indirect expressions instead of disrespectful and harsh phrases and words. These considerate expressions may also replace words that refer to something unpleasant. However, over time, the literal meaning of euphemism has evolved. It now encompasses the idea of concealing the truth, a tactic employed not only by dishonest individuals but also by various political parties, government officials, and military personnel.
The use of euphemism is not restricted to specific contexts; it can be applied in various situations. For example, the euphemism “kick the bucket” is a way to refer to an individual’s death. The term “downsizing” is utilized by many organizations and companies as a substitute for “firing” their employees (Euphemism). Euphemism is quite common and popular in situations that necessitate the substitution of specific words to avoid sounding overly harsh, rude, or impolite. For instance, it is frequently employed in office settings to convey news to employees with utmost respect, minimizing the risk of causing offense.
Government’s Usage of Euphemism: Creating Them
Euphemism serves the purpose of delivering a concept respectfully, clearly, and completely through the use of polite and indirect expressions. Crafting euphemisms involves employing various techniques, and it is not a singular task. In addition to traditional phrases and terminologies, abbreviations can also function as a form of euphemism, offering a means to convey messages indirectly. Another strategy to avoid sounding rude or offensive is the use of foreign words and languages. However, it’s important to note that euphemisms are not foolproof and may not always work effectively. In certain circumstances, the substitutions employed to mask the actual expression can still sound harsh, rude, offensive, or impolite. Under such conditions, it is advisable to discard the euphemistic approach, opting for direct expressions to convey the message clearly and precisely (“Euphemism”).
Government’s Usage of Euphemism: Conveying Ideas
Euphemism serves as a valuable tool for writers, allowing them to convey ideas accurately and respectfully without coming across as too offensive to their readers. Especially when dealing with topics influenced by factors such as religion or politics, writers tactfully and indirectly discuss and refer to these subjects using carefully chosen phrases and words. Writers understand the significance of ensuring that readers are not offended by the language and expressions used in their books, particularly when addressing highly sensitive topics. The use of euphemism enables writers to metaphorically discuss and explain complex crises and issues faced by a country. By employing euphemism in a proper and polite manner, readers can not only enjoy the book but also gain awareness of the facts and truth without feeling offended (Sebkova).
In the past, the use of euphemism was primarily confined to the positive intention of replacing impolite and harsh statements with more respectful ones, all while maintaining clarity in conveying the message. However, over time, government and military officials started employing euphemism negatively to deliberately withhold facts and truth from the general public of their own country. An example of this negative use is reflected in Christopher Hitchens’ criticism of his acquaintance Martin Amis, where he referred to “the moral offense of euphemism” – a phrase that, while eloquent, carries a harsh undertone. The inability to directly name a particular thing for what it truly is can spark a contentious and enduring debate about the truth. Recognizing the moral wrongdoing associated with euphemism early on serves as the first indication that one may have succumbed to corruption. Only with the passage of time can it become clear whether this corruption is deeply entrenched or merely intellectual in nature (“Euphemism”).
Government’s Usage of Euphemism: Use in Wars
Since its inception, the war on Iraq has been portrayed and characterized through the lens of euphemism. The term “Operation Iraqi Freedom” symbolizes a military operation in Iraq conducted by foreign forces, primarily the American troops. American officials have consistently framed such operations in Iraq as a form of liberation. While liberation, in its literal sense, denotes freedom, the actions carried out by the American troops in Iraq have a starkly different interpretation of the term “freedom.” For over five years, American troops have been granted the legitimate authority to execute any Iraqi individual, regardless of gender, and to search any house in Iraq. Regrettably, this authority has been extensively abused, with reports of the troops executing Iraqis they deem fit for killing or searching Iraqi houses they consider suitable for detention. The stark contrast between the actions undertaken by the American troops and the concept of “freedom” raises profound questions about the justification of the war, the lives lost on both sides, and the legal rights granted to the American forces. The present condition in Iraq, marred by ongoing conflict and its aftermath, is far from achieving true independence or “freedom” (Ackerman).
Government’s Usage of Euphemism: Common Usage
Language indeed wields significant influence on reality, capable of either accurately representing it or distorting it entirely. An example from history is evident during the Second World War when the military and government officials of the United States employed euphemisms to describe their actions against individuals of Japanese ancestry living in America at that time. This demonstrates the crucial role that euphemism plays for government and military officials, as well as for the general public and various other sectors, in shaping and framing the narrative surrounding events and actions.
Personal justice, government reports, and the findings of the commission on the imprisonment of many civilians and wartime relocation indicate that several Americans with Japanese ancestry, along with various reliable sources, employ traditional and historical terminologies and languages. This choice is driven by the belief that the terminologies used in the past offer a more authentic reflection of the historic era. However, certain Japanese Americans, educators, historians, and others opt for languages and terminologies that they believe provide a more realistic and accurate meaning and reflection of that era (Kelly).
Government’s Usage of Euphemism: Shakespearean Examples
Even the renowned English poet, William Shakespeare, employed euphemism in many of his plays. During the fifteenth century, discussing or describing sex directly was considered impolite, rude, and offensive, leading to the widespread use of euphemism in such contexts. Shakespeare utilized euphemism to describe sexual intercourse in some of his most famous plays, such as “Othello” and “Antony and Cleopatra.”
In Act 1, Scene 1 of “Othello,” Iago says to Brabantio, “I am one, sir, that comes to tell you your daughter and the Moor are now making the beast with two backs.” Here, Iago uses the euphemism “making the beast with two backs” to refer to sexual intercourse, conveying the message and storyline clearly to the reader indirectly, without sounding harsh, rude, or impolite.
Similarly, in Shakespeare’s play “Antony and Cleopatra,” in Act 2, Scene 2, Agrippa talks about Cleopatra: “Royal wench! She made great Caesar lay his sword to bed. He plowed her, and she cropped.” Here, Shakespeare uses the terms “plowed” and “cropped” as euphemisms to describe sexual intercourse and pregnancy, respectively, allowing the narrative to unfold without causing offense to the readers (Euphemism).
Government’s Usage of Euphemism: Conclusion
The euphemism or phrase “economical with the truth” gained prominence during legal cases involving political charges. Notably, Robert Armstrong, the Cabinet Secretary of the United Kingdom, is remembered for using this particular phrase in a court in Sydney, Australia, in 1986. This occurred during the government’s efforts to prevent the publication of the journals of a former MI5 agent, compiled into the book “Spycatcher.”
During the Matrix Churchill trial in 1992, several years after the UK government’s actions, Alan Clark, a former Prime Minister, admitted that he had been “economical… with the actualite.” Subsequently, Robert Armstrong wrote to The Times, stating that the phrase he used was derived from Edmund Burke, an Eighteenth Century Statesman (Kelly).
Government’s Usage of Euphemism: Works Cited
- Ackerman, Spencer. “A Glossary of Iraq Euphemisms.” The American Prospect. 06, Aug. 2008. Web. 01 Aug 2014<http://prospect.org/article/glossary-iraq-euphemisms>
- “Euphemism.” Literary Devices. n. d. Web. 01 Aug. 2014 <www.literarydevices.net/euphemism>
- “Euphemism.” Online Dictionary and Reference. n. d. Web. 01 Aug. 2014 <http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/euphemism>
- Kelly, Jon. “The 10 most scandalous euphemisms.” BBC News Magazine. 15 May 2013. 01August 2014. <http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-22470691>
- Šebková, Kristýna. “Euphemism.” Masaryk University. n. d. Web. 01 Aug. 2014.<https://is.muni.cz/th/403451/pedf_c/Euphemisms.txt>
Relevant Questions: Government’s Usage of Euphemism
- How does the government’s use of euphemism in describing military operations impact public perception and understanding of the true nature of those activities?
- In what ways does the government employ euphemistic language when discussing economic policies, and how does this linguistic choice influence public opinion on issues such as taxation and budgetary decisions?
- Can you provide examples of how the government’s usage of euphemism in addressing social and political issues may shape public discourse and sentiment on sensitive topics?
