Euphemism

Why are we so squeamish about describing women’s everyday experiences?

20 May 2023 9:00 am

Philip Hensher discusses how words relating to women’s ordinary experiences have been shrouded in euphemism over the centuries

Why won’t the media call a cock a cock?

19 March 2016 9:00 am

On the Radio 4 news at 11 o’clock last Saturday morning there was a joky report about roosters in Brisbane. The…

Britain to have ‘special status’ in the EU? Careful what you wish for…

27 February 2016 9:00 am

‘Special status?’ said my husband. ‘You mean like executioners, butchers and undertakers in Japan?’ I hadn’t suggested that, but had…