A while ago I bought a copy of Nigel Rees's excellent book Man About A Dog. It's a guide to euphemisms - you know, those words that we use to be "polite" rather than saying what we really mean.
Have you noticed that the War on Terror has caused us to use so many more euphemisms? Examples that I have noticed: “The troops were killed by an improvised explosive device”. Ah yes, that improvised explosive device – or what the rest of the world calls a bomb.
“The insurgents mounted an attack on the Allied forces.” Yep, those pesky terrorists are at it again.
And the oddest: “Politicians fear that young Muslim men may have been radicalised by 7/7.” Let’s put to one side for now why anyone would want to become a suicide bomber because four fanatics blew up 52 innocent people on three tubes and bus. Hmm, radicalised... what can that be a euphemism for? Oh yes, I know brainwashed.
Come on, let's say what we mean... It doesn't fool anyone.
This is my second blog and it includes anything that want to sound off about - politics, humour, sport, television, films, newspapers, books, etc, etc. The first blog http://pauldonnelley.blogspot.com is purely about politics. Enjoy - and your feedback is always appreciated.
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