3 Comments

I’ve always liked the crass-ish euphemism, “kicked the bucket”. Someone once told me that the term “bucket list” is derived from it.

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In spoken language, direct, clear phrases communicate well. Even if abrupt. I prefer the jolt from 'plain speak' to the awkwardly applied, velvet literary gloves upon my words. Children (of certain ages, not all) prefer clearly crafted language, because phrases like "passed away" add to opaque mystery. The mystery is already sufficient in death; to add to it is confusing. However, this is merely my preference. It reflects my personality; many other people prefer the opposite approach.

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I can see not wanting euphemisms such as "passed away" to be used with regards to one's own demise. I do think it's a useful phrase, however, when offering condolences to someone else. While "died" might be factual, "passed away" is softer and gentler, which one usually wants to be with the bereaved.

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