It’s been a while since I gave a miniature logic lesson, so
today I thought I’d talk about Euphemisms and Dysphemisms.
Rhetorical devices, and rhetoric in general, are often employed
to try to “slant” the hearer’s or reader’s perspective on
something. Remember, rhetoric employs psychological or
emotionally persuasive language, without giving an actual reason
for a conclusion. Euphemisms and Dysphemisms are two rhetorical
devices that are quite common. A Euphemism is a “positive” spin;
it takes a word, phrase, or concept and makes it sound either
neutral or more positive. For example, we spin “death” and
“died” more positive or neutral by phrases like, “bought the
farm,” or “he’s pushing up daisies.” Car dealerships no longer
sell “used cars” they sell “pre-owned vehicles.” On a more
serious note, you can see it in politics, and political
situations. I once saw a news cast about a band of militia in
some country where there was an uprising, within about fifteen
minutes, three different people were interviewed;