Euphemism, Positive spin, etc.

Euphemism, positive spin, etc - I don’t know what others think about them but to me the mean only one thing. They serve the exact opposite purpose of what they are intended in the first place. In some cases ‘euphemism’ serves as euphemism of hypocrisy, which always will be despicable.

Last year I saw one movie (In Good Company), and this issue was also highlighted in that. In that moving the term of sacking employees was “letting go”. I don’t understand how the term “fired” or “letting go” means any different for whom it is used? Worse to me, the term “letting go” will add insult to injury. (God forbid it though)

‘Positive spin’ is no less offending. For example – if your internet service provider (ISP) doubles the charge and also increased by the speed even by 10%, will address the letter to you as “Congratulations, your internet speed has been increased”. Only later in the letter will be mentioned that price has been increased as well! It does not matter that your previous speed of 1Mbps was more than sufficient for you and you don’t need any faster than it.

One of the worst kinds of ‘euphemism’ I got from my Bank. I think it was last year. I received a letter from them saying that “they will lower the interest rate from 0.40% percent to 0.15% from next quarter”. The letter mentioned that if you don’t agree to this then please fill the attached feedback form and mail in the “postage pre-paid envelop”. I thought it was good for them to ask for feedback. Also I was happy that the letter was in English for me. I proceeded to the feedback form and then I saw the later half of the page. It said that when we receive this feedback form we will close your account!
Was that a feedback form? That was simply notice of discontinuation of account. Who will term it as feedback form? I guess, I will have to hand the award for the best positive spin to my dear bank. I should have sent a letter to them saying “Thanks, I never knew you were paying any interest to me”.

This is not limited to official communications and diplomacy. You will find this euphemism and positive spin even in personal relationships. It is more hurting in this domain. I don’t know why people do it? Do they think the intended recipient will not get the real meaning? I bet, everyone gets and it is result is severe than if stated in simple and straight terms. Everyone in this world appreciates honesty, however blunt it might be. Euphemism, positive spin, etc might save an awkward moment or two for the time being, but it will have more serious consequences than otherwise. In fact in impersonal matters, the usage of euphemism or positive spin can lead to personal animosity. In personal matters it might one more derogatory adjective to the persona of the user.

So cut back on euphemism. I love blunt honesty anyday.