The more syllables a euphemism has, the further divorced from reality it is

The more syllables a euphemism has, the further divorced from reality it is

George Carlin was a master of language and a keen observer of human behavior. He had a unique way of using humor to shed light on the absurdities of everyday life, including the use of euphemisms. In his stand-up routines and writings, Carlin often pointed out how euphemisms can be used to soften the harsh realities of life or to avoid uncomfortable truths.

One of Carlin's famous observations was that the more syllables a euphemism has, the further divorced from reality it is. He believed that people use euphemisms to distance themselves from the truth, to make difficult or unpleasant things sound more palatable. By adding extra syllables to a word or phrase, people can create a sense of detachment from the reality of what they are talking about.

For example, Carlin famously mocked the term "sanitation engineer" as a euphemism for garbage man. By adding extra syllables to the job title, it creates a sense of importance and respectability that may not actually exist. In reality, a sanitation engineer is still just a person who collects garbage.

Carlin also pointed out how euphemisms can be used to avoid talking about death. Instead of saying someone has died, people may say they have "passed away" or "gone to a better place." These euphemisms can create a sense of comfort or denial, allowing people to avoid facing the harsh reality of mortality.