Towards a distinction between non-euphemistic and euphemism-based politically correct expressions: A relevance-theoretic perspective
Abstract
This qualitative research is the first attempt to analyse differences in the interpretation of politically correct (PC) expressions by using relevance-theoretic and lexical pragmatics tools. The results suggest that PC language can be non-euphemistic and euphemism-based. Non-euphemistic PC expressions achieve relevance by explicitly communicating their lexically encoded conceptual content. Euphemism-based PC expressions become relevant by communicating some concepts and propositions that are not lexically encoded by them and are inferred logically from the utterance context or/and by accessing encyclopaedic information. These concepts and propositions constitute euphemistic meaning and are recovered at explicit and implicit levels, as well as with varying degrees of strength.
Keywords:
Publication history
Table of contents
The term ‘political correctness’ (PC) refers to language intended to give the least amount of offense, when describing groups identified by markers such as race, gender, culture, or sexual orientation. Linguistically, the practice of political correctness is rooted in a desire to eliminate exclusion of different identity groups based on language usage (Roper 2022). PC language is considered non-discriminatory and non-stigmatising inasmuch as it decreases bias towards people of a certain age, race, ethnicity, religion, profession, socioeconomic status, health status, or educational background. Examples are ‘senior citizens’, ‘African American’, ‘sanitation worker’, ‘economically disadvantaged’, ‘person with a substance use disorder’. PC-related linguistic practices also involve use of so-called non-sexist, or gender-neutral, language, i.e. words and phrases eliminating discrimination on the basis of a particular sex. The generic ‘he’, ‘his’ and ‘man’, as well as gender-specific job titles are considered sexist and politically incorrect.
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