Examples Of Euphemism Treadmill

3. What is the “euphemism treadmill”? What problems does it present? What is a good example of this “treadmill”? (Use your own experience, rather than an example from the essay.) The euphemism treadmill is the constant cycle of labeling words as “politically incorrect” when they are being used as an insult. Then replacing it with a new word thought to be a polite term, but with the same actual meaning. Defenders of politically correct language are doing this in an effort to help people against discrimination. One issue this brings, is when words change their meaning (as a result of bullies using them harmfully) it’s difficult, especially for the elderly, to keep up. This causes elderly people to be viewed as insensitive, when their
actual intent was far from causing hurt. A good example of this would be my grandparents, they use the word “Negro” the same way I would use the term “African American”. A while back “Negro” I suppose, was a common term people used to describe another person who was African American. Now, anyone who uses that term is considered to be insensitive, though I know my grandparents don’t want to cause anyone distress. Another problem that arises with the euphemism treadmill is the constant accumulation of offensive words for bullies to choose from to aim at their targets. Therefore, though they’re making an effort to weed out offensive terms, they are creating more in the long run.