Speaking of language, sometimes words are used in some pretty appalling ways. Normally by politicians, to nobody’s surprise. By now you might be familiar with Missouri Congressman Todd Akin’s comments about “legitimate rape.” This is one of those instances when you shouldn’t use a qualifying adjective if it’s not a direct synonym of “tragic” or “detestable.” A referee can announce a “legitimate goal,” a judge can deem a homicide a “legitimate defense,” Bush can even try to claim that 2000 was a “legitimate election.” But Akin is legitimate proof that men should not call the shots for women.

Like I said, maybe you heard about that story, since it’s blowing up the news right now. But did you hear about VP candidate Paul Ryan’s reaction? Euphemisms can be really warm and fuzzy and welcomed, like when people tell you you’re “more womanly” after Spain instead of saying, “How many tapas did you EAT???” or when we used to suggest to my dog that he “do his business” instead of demanding, “Please shit now!” But to use a euphemism like “method of conception” for “rape,” as Ryan did, is legitimate BS.

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About The Author

Jenny

Jenny Marshall studied Language, Culture, and Society at the University of California Santa Barbara, and now teaches English in Spain. Here she writes about the intersection of language and culture, and lives a life translated by travel.