Avoid euphemisms

Euphemisms are words or expressions used in place of ones that may offend or suggest something unpleasant. We sometimes use them when we’re not sure of the right terminology, afraid to accidentally hurt a person’s feelings or are trying to seem supportive. However, these words and phrases can confuse people or cause offence. We shouldn’t speak in metaphors – they only downplay someone’s experience or sweep it under the rug entirely. It’s always best to use straightforward and correct terminology. For example phrases “Rain man” or “special needs children” are euphemisms, while the correct terms are “person with an autism spectrum disorder” and “children with Down’s syndrome”.