I always read those cute little lists in Harpers and it dawns on me that I might have one to contribute. Over the years in my AVA column I’ve remarked the replacement of one word for two in modern American usage. For example:
” Human resources” has replaced “personnel”
“Reached out” replaces called, contacted, and the more informative emailed and phoned.
“Mission Statement” replaces purpose or goals.
fulfillment center warehouse
administrative assistant secretary
social anxiety shyness
Public relations publicity
Passed away died
Strategic plan Either strategy or plan will do.
replacement workers scabs
Public relations publicity
Passed away died
Strategic Plan Either strategy or plan will do.
cancel culture ostracism or blacklisting
clinical depression. melancholy
venture capitalist financier
Advocate for advocate
Food insecurity hunger
Environmental technician janitor or custodian
Neoliberal reforms Privatization
Supply chain Inventory
Overseas production Outsourcing
Atmospheric river Rainstorm
Inner city. Ghetto or slum
There are variiants that would make it less pure but illustrate the same trend towards euphemism, obfuscation and pseudo-science. The Defense Department replaced the War Department back in ’47… Underprivileged replaced poor in the ‘50s.
Feel free to add to the list –and please advise [email protected]
