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Jun 12, 2018 · Turns out you can name an account executor, presumably a close friend or family member, to come in and tidy up your social media belongings in the event of your death, although that person will...
- What We Did and What We Found
- How and Why Do We Use Euphemisms?
- Is This A Problem?
- Communicating About Death and Dying Is Important
We ran an online course, open to anyone around the world, on death and dying. The aim was to open conversations about the topic, and to promote understanding about death as a natural part of life. Over two years, we asked 3,116 participants from 39 countries about how they talked about death and dying. They told us of alternative words or phrases t...
People mainly said they used euphemisms because the words “dead” or “dying” could upset people or were too harsh. Some participants said they had heard many euphemisms, but wouldn’t dream of using some, for instance “kicked the bucket”, for fear of causing offence. Most participants said they speak openly about death and dying but could understand ...
Does it really matter if people use such euphemisms? Not always. But sometimes euphemisms can lead to misunderstandings and confusion. Think of the commonly used “gone”. One participant talked of an aunt who was waiting to hear about the health of her husband. The aunt received a phone call telling her that her husband had “gone” so she asked which...
Euphemisms have their place. But being able to talk openly (and clearly) about death and dying is important as it helps normalise death and avoids confusion. If health professionals use euphemisms, they need to consider whether patients really understand what they’re trying to say. And normalising death and dying (and communicating it) helps us pre...
Feb 24, 2020 · How someone's culture views death and dying will help dictate what type of language is used to describe the process. Euphemisms or slang terms for death can become part of a cultural fabric and are often used according to location and/or religious beliefs.
- Gabrielle Applebury
- Six feet under. This phrase refers to someone who has died and been buried in a grave that is typically six feet deep. It is a euphemism for death. For example, “After a long battle with illness, he is now six feet under.”
- Kicked the bucket. This slang phrase means to die. It is often used in a humorous or lighthearted manner. For instance, “He finally kicked the bucket at the ripe old age of 90.”
- Bit the dust. This phrase can refer to both death and failure. It is often used to describe someone or something that has come to an end or been defeated.
- Bought the farm. This slang phrase means to die, often in a sudden or unexpected manner. Its origin is uncertain, but it may stem from the idea of a soldier dying and being buried on a farm.
- "I'm sorry for your loss." Download Article. This is the most basic way to express your condolences. You could also try simply saying "I'm sorry." If you find yourself at a loss, you might add, "I can't imagine what you're going through," or "I have no words."
- "I'm so sorry about your friend/family member." Download Article. Using the deceased person's name acknowledges and validates grief. Don't be afraid to say the deceased person's name—hearing it won't hurt as much as not hearing it.
- "Do you want to talk about it?" Download Article. People who are grieving often find it comforting to talk about the death. It might seem counter-intuitive, but a lot of people talk through the death as a way to process it.
- "I can't imagine how hard this is for you." Download Article. Allow the person to talk without judging or advising them. Everybody responds to a loss differently.
May 10, 2013 · Don't make it worse by saying these things. Grieving can be a terribly lonely, isolating, confusing, foggy journey, one that can be made infinitely less awful by thoughtful friends. It can also be...
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What are euphemisms & slang terms for death?
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Someone new to English has to learn countless ways of saying “they died,” and even native English speakers can be thrown off by a regional phrase. To help out the morbidly interested, we compiled some of the most common euphemisms for death in the English language.
