Metamorphosis
of words and expressions manifest what?
First
listen to this wonderful and humorous speech about euphemism .
It
spells out humorously the metamorphosis of many expression trying to hide
reality for example how crippled or physically challenged or handicapped became
disabled and then redesigned into differently-abled or handi-capable etc
Laugh
yourself out and then let us get down to find out why it is so?
This
metamorphosis of terminology is the manifestation of socio-religio- culturally
inherited hypocrisies which very conveniently and fluently coin euphemistic
expressions to mask reality or add connotations to existing terms which totally
hide the original denotation of the word.
As
a person interested, having done some reading, writing, teaching etc in
lexicography, linguistics, etymology in some languages, I can say that words
used in a particular region, at a particular time, carry with them a whole lot
of socio-cultural psychological attitudes, attributes, perceptional
biases/inadequacies and ideological conditioning etc.
The
whole lot of TV soaps/bubbles called as serials and most of the Bollywood and
Kollyhood nonsense are all imbued with these nonsensical terminologies with
which the whole society is infected. Everyone who is involved in perpetuating
these hypocrisies exhibits a healthy public view and engages in a filthy
activity in private.
Hypocrisies
get so well ingrained that it is almost automatic, spontaneous, infectious and
manifests in all spheres of life be it in family, be it in relationship with
the near and dear ones, be it in society, be it in office, be it in closed
circle of friends, be it in group of artists, be it in observing traditions or
rituals etc. If by mistake anyone acts without these hypocrisies that person
would be either branded as eccentric or arrogant or excommunicated or at least
ostracized by the rest.
Language
is one of the most effective tool for manipulation, brain washing, propaganda
etc as it is one the most important carrier of human thoughts and emotions as
well as social and cultural taboos and trends. There are lots about and
involving language and its politics.
If
and when you have time you may read this blog link of mine and all other sub
links given in that blog link
and also
I
thought of writing this because a friend of mine a good dancer was wondering
and posted in FB page ‘ Why do we insist on creating a culture of shame and
taboo around organic human relationships and all that comes from them? Like
pregnancy, for instance. Why are people hesitant to use that word?!! 'She is in
the family way' - she is where? 'She is carrying' - carrying what? A shopping
bag? 'She is expecting' - expecting what? A big chocolate cake all to herself?
That she most certainly is! Language is not voldemort. It won't kill you or
jinx you to use the right word.’
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