Rawson explores the evolution of "doubletalk"—words and phrases designed to make the bad seem good or the taboo seem acceptable. The book is organized alphabetically and covers a vast range of human experience, categorized into two main types:
This dictionary is less about "correct" English and more about the . It is an essential read for writers, linguists, or anyone interested in how language can be used to either bridge gaps or build walls between people and the truth.
A Dictionary of Euphemisms & Other Doubletalk by is a definitive, witty guide to the art of "linguistic hygiene." Rather than a dry reference, it serves as a cultural history of how we use language to mask unpleasant realities, avoid offense, or deliberately mislead. Core Premise and Scope A DICTIONARY Euphemisms ^Other Doubletalk
Rawson doesn't just define terms; he traces their origins. You’ll learn how Victorian-era modesty turned "legs" into "limbs" and how corporate "restructuring" became a standard mask for mass layoffs.
It explains the "euphemism treadmill," where a new, polite word eventually becomes "tainted" by the reality it describes and must be replaced by a newer, even more sterile term. A Dictionary of Euphemisms & Other Doubletalk by
These inflate the status of something humble (e.g., calling a janitor a "sanitary engineer").
Rawson often highlights how the length of a euphemism is usually proportional to the severity of the truth it hides. It explains the "euphemism treadmill," where a new,
The book is exceptionally well-indexed, allowing you to follow a trail of related terms (e.g., from "perspiration" to "sweat").