Euphemism Treadmill (PC)

Question 1

Who came up with the Euphemism Treadmill?

Answer 1

Stephen Pinker (2003)

Question 2

What is the general concept of the Euphemism Treadmill?

Answer 2

Words which are introduced to replace existing offensive words over time become offensive themselves

Question 3

Example of a euphemism treadmill:

Answer 3

Idiot > retarded > mentally challenged > special

Crippled > handicapped > disabled

Question 4

What is a dysphemism treadmill?

Answer 4

It works in the opposite way as a euphemism treadmill, however this works in the opposite way as the word develops a slightly less offensive meaning