https://arab.news/6qpet
The Oxford Dictionary defines “euphemism” as “a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing.” Wars and conflicts that cause unbearable suffering have also become fertile ground for irritating euphemisms. After all, individuals or groups involved in inflicting pain and misery on others are trying to hide their sense of shame, embarrassment, guilt, or accountability by using “creative” and “imaginative” euphemisms in order to deflect from their responsibility for their ill-doings.
For example, one of the most used, though scorned, euphemisms from recent military history is “collateral damage,” a term first used during the Vietnam War. In reality, this refers to death, injury, or damage to property inflicted on noncombatants — sometimes unintended, but very often recklessly — during military operations. Two more examples are “extraordinary rendition” and “friendly fire.” The first refers to seizing terror suspects and whisking them away to remote places in order to use illegal interrogation techniques, including torture; while the second refers to being shot accidentally by your own side — and there is nothing friendly about that.
