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Eric · 13-07-2007, 21:07

It is not surprising that political correctness grew up in the US. One could argue that it is a wider application of euphemism. The perception that some common words are inapproriate in themselves, that they are somehow impolite or insulting regardless of how they are used is an aspect of a country which grew up conservative and more than a little puritanical. The idea of correctness is ousting some harmless and useful words; "second hand" is now no longer appropriate. "Previously owned" is Ok, and so is "Previously enjoyed" (unless it is applied to a divorced woman). I'm sure everyone can think of more. But it is not words which are offensive, but people and contexts.

13-07-2007, 21:07	#8
Eric God Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Kingston, Ontario, Canada Posts: 9,290 Liked: 2347 times Rep Power: 58528	Re: Political Correctness. It is not surprising that political correctness grew up in the US. One could argue that it is a wider application of euphemism. The perception that some common words are inapproriate in themselves, that they are somehow impolite or insulting regardless of how they are used is an aspect of a country which grew up conservative and more than a little puritanical. The idea of correctness is ousting some harmless and useful words; "second hand" is now no longer appropriate. "Previously owned" is Ok, and so is "Previously enjoyed" (unless it is applied to a divorced woman). I'm sure everyone can think of more. But it is not words which are offensive, but people and contexts.