Robert Leguillon <[email protected]> wrote:
> "Global warming" to "climate change"? > I believe that was a technical adjustment to make the term more accurate. Not a euphemism. CO2 causes both warming and cooling, and also droughts and other effects. It is not limited to warming. This change did not do what you suggest. It did not change perception. The topic is as controversial as it ever was. > "Pro-choice" to "women's health"? > "Gay marriage" to "marriage equality"? > These topics are also still politicized. They are still controversial. Changing the name did not help. You have illustrated why euphemisms do not work. Actually, "euphemism" usually means the word is intended to avoid embarrassment or social awkwardness. Victorians invented words for sex, and we invent words for death. There is probably some other word for changing the name to avoid controversy. Not sure what . . . The New Scientist referred to the use of "new hydrogen energy" meaning cold fusion as a "euphemism." That was the Japanese NEDO agency's word. - Jed
