When we start using new words, trying to be more sensitive about something, there is only a certain distance one can allude to the subject from, before it starts distorting the meaning of real words.
Instead of "obesity" we might call it "eating disorder", but calling it "gifted taste buds" will take away the meaning of both gifts and taste.
Using the term "specially abled" in place of "disabled" now has now made it harder to call someone "special", as they might think we are referring to some disability.
Language is not new to experiencing this. The word "bully" once used to mean "sweetheart". The word "secretary" once used to mean "someone to share your secrets with". Trying to sugarcoat some other concepts with these words has now eroded the real meaning.
Individually, we have very little control over where language flows but it doesn't hurt to know which way we are swimming, and the small waves we make.
Radi
Dhaka
February 2023
Instead of "obesity" we might call it "eating disorder", but calling it "gifted taste buds" will take away the meaning of both gifts and taste.
Using the term "specially abled" in place of "disabled" now has now made it harder to call someone "special", as they might think we are referring to some disability.
Language is not new to experiencing this. The word "bully" once used to mean "sweetheart". The word "secretary" once used to mean "someone to share your secrets with". Trying to sugarcoat some other concepts with these words has now eroded the real meaning.
Individually, we have very little control over where language flows but it doesn't hurt to know which way we are swimming, and the small waves we make.
Radi
Dhaka
February 2023
