All 1 entries tagged <em>Truth</em>Mark Harrisonhttps://blogs.warwick.ac.uk/markharrison/tag/truth/?atom=atomWarwick Blogs, University of Warwick(C) 2024 Mark Harrison2024-03-28T18:12:32ZHappy Christmas ... And I Mean This by Mark HarrisonMark Harrisonhttps://blogs.warwick.ac.uk/markharrison/entry/happy_christmas_and/2011-12-21T18:00:55Z2011-12-21T14:25:01Z<p class="answer">Writing about web page <a href="http://www.economist.com/node/21541767" title="Related external link: http://www.economist.com/node/21541767">http://www.economist.com/node/21541767</a></p>
<p>The Christmas issue of The Economist has <a href="http://www.economist.com/node/21541767">a piece on euphemisms</a>. Euphemisms are things you say that soften your true meaning. Now, I think of myself as someone that normally favours plain speaking. Interpreted consistently, that suggests I would avoid euphemisms. Not so. I am British, after all, and the British invented insincerity.</p>
<p>Here are my three most frequent ways around the truth. If you are a student and you've had a letter from me, you've almost certainly met at least one of these before.</p>
<blockquote class="quotes">
<p>Thank you for your request.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>This really means: "You're wasting my time." Here's another:</p>
<blockquote class="quotes">
<p>I should be glad if you would" (do something).</p>
</blockquote>
<p>This really means: "Do it. Now!" (As does "It would be most helpful if you could".) And one more:</p>
<blockquote class="quotes">
<p>I realize you will be disappointed by this outcome.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>This really means: "I'm impressed you made the effort to write your idiotic suggestion down in words."</p>
<p>To conclude, let me offer all my readers:</p>
<blockquote class="quotes">
<p>Very best wishes for Christmas and the New Year.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Which really means: "I want food and drink in front of the telly. Leave me alone!"</p><p class="answer">Writing about web page <a href="http://www.economist.com/node/21541767" title="Related external link: http://www.economist.com/node/21541767">http://www.economist.com/node/21541767</a></p>
<p>The Christmas issue of The Economist has <a href="http://www.economist.com/node/21541767">a piece on euphemisms</a>. Euphemisms are things you say that soften your true meaning. Now, I think of myself as someone that normally favours plain speaking. Interpreted consistently, that suggests I would avoid euphemisms. Not so. I am British, after all, and the British invented insincerity.</p>
<p>Here are my three most frequent ways around the truth. If you are a student and you've had a letter from me, you've almost certainly met at least one of these before.</p>
<blockquote class="quotes">
<p>Thank you for your request.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>This really means: "You're wasting my time." Here's another:</p>
<blockquote class="quotes">
<p>I should be glad if you would" (do something).</p>
</blockquote>
<p>This really means: "Do it. Now!" (As does "It would be most helpful if you could".) And one more:</p>
<blockquote class="quotes">
<p>I realize you will be disappointed by this outcome.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>This really means: "I'm impressed you made the effort to write your idiotic suggestion down in words."</p>
<p>To conclude, let me offer all my readers:</p>
<blockquote class="quotes">
<p>Very best wishes for Christmas and the New Year.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Which really means: "I want food and drink in front of the telly. Leave me alone!"</p>1