I like to call a spade a spade.
So: suicide. Euphemisms are pointless.
Why is it even called a spade? At some point in time it was surely called something else, leading to a likely some utilitarian reason it was renamed or used in speech. Words can change over time for many reasons. I suppose I kind of agreed with you in premise with my title and joke about a rose by any other name being as sweet (my lit pun from R&J). I also do like directness, honesty and simplicity. I get and appreciate the utilitarianism of it though for sure.
Suicide itself could also already be a euphemism of sorts though. Before it came into use, various terms were used, often with more clinical or moral implications. In medieval times, the act was often referred to in terms of "self-murder" or "self-killing." Over time, "suicide" became the more accepted term, focusing more on the act itself rather than the moral judgment surrounding it. Words evolution and use is an interesting topic. If you don't like euphimisms then would self-murder or self-killing then be the best? Or does the societal change in perception leading to suicide as a term make it preferential in some way?
FYI not disagreeing whatsoever, just exploring the topic a bit to see people's thoughts around it and I really appreciate the convo on it! Thanks for being so direct in your thought process on it, good stuff.
This. "Killing your/my-self" is also appropriate. All else is froth.
"voluntary death" does not adequately describe suicide. Captain Oates died voluntarily but did not commit suicide, for example.
Words do in fact matter, as does context (along the lines of one of the reasons I brought this discussion topic up!) other than 'froth'. Just because he did it for the greater good does not mean he didn't commit suicide some could argue on a strictly definition basis (and since we give words definitions, perhaps the definition itself needs to change). Suicide:
the act or an instance of ending one's own life voluntarily and intentionally. He acted intentionally and voluntarily and it resulted in the ending of his own life. To draw a distinction would be euphemistic or frothy for some then. Unless a spade isn't
always a spade after all? This distinction of voluntary death could give an implication about the rational decision-making process or its purpose (like the 'greater good' of a sacrifice) which is also why some may not be euphemistic in choosing another word.
Again, I think everyone's POV is absolutely valid on whatever it is called or reasons for it and I absolutely hear you on yours; I value your insight and views. Thank you for lending your perspective on it!
Being afraid of words is either Pacific Islander thing, or a Western liberal thing.
People have been careful with words for a long time! In ancient Egypt, they believed that words could tip the balance between truth and chaos, so they chose their words wisely in sensitive situations. In ancient Greece, people thought words had real power, able to call on the gods or change things around them as seen in the works of Heraclitus and Plato for example. Even in the Bible (laying my own views absolutely aside when I bring up this point FYI), words are portrayed as super powerful—like when God created the world just by speaking. There's a big emphasis on being careful with what you say to avoid spreading lies.
So, while some folks might avoid certain words out of fear, it also could be about cultural beliefs and wanting to be respectful and avoid misunderstandings. Native American cultures, for instance, also held words in high regard because they believed what you said could shape reality. It's not just fear; there's definitely an element of respect involved. I suppose with my rationality here, my argument would be it actually really doesn't make a difference per se too, definitely goes both ways.
I think it's deeper than just being "afraid" of a word. Sure, fear might play a part, but respect is a big factor too. For me, self-deliverance has a layer of respect—it's not just about fearing a word. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Also, Voldemort. And <censored>. Or <censored>. I can talk however I want.
Thanks for the HP reference too. And yes, we can and should talk however we want about different subjects. All in the eye of a beholder. More so though just if anyone had a preference of the word choice, reasons why or if it even made a difference to them personally. For me, it isn't about onomophobia though. I guess in the end it really does not make a terrible difference just exploring how people think about it and so thank you so much for your insights!
I like "ctb" since it's a timeless acronym originating from the earliest suicide forums. Normally I use "kill oneself", "commit suicide", it doesn't matter.
Fair, to the point and direct! I figured for some or many it would not really make a difference or matter. Always interested in different viewpoints on any topic.
So "Catching the Bus" could refer to exiting after significant self-reflection in the context of such a forum.
The opposite of an exit due to a momentary impulse.
I really like that explanation! Words carry weight, right? Even if the outcome is the same, the way we frame it can show that it was a thoughtful, reflective decision rather than something emotional or impulsive. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts!
It depends on the context.
True, also true. Context of usage also does matter! Fair point!
I even found
this link about how using different words for suicide can change the perception of people.
Absolutely! Perceptions and times change. While, as mentioned above, it may not be a big deal, I was genuinely curious about your thoughts on it. I really appreciate your insights!
For me, I have and always will call it, "moving on to the next experience in my forever quest of existence"
Really interesting and well thought out! While I personally lean towards the idea of non-existence after death, I appreciate your perspective and fully respect your beliefs. It's great to hear different views and opinions, and I'm always curious to learn what others think. I believe everyone's beliefs are equally valid!
'the end of the journey',
Another good one. Simple and also to the point. Thanks for sharing that with me/us!
One reason for this is because many of the terms carry connotations that bring about emotions in people, and I feel like these discussions are more likely to be productive if people are thinking more rationally than emotionally.
Here in Canada where assisted dying is available to people including the non-terminally ill (except mental illness, of course...), government guidelines state the manner of death should be recorded as "natural" instead of "suicide," regardless of whether it was euthanasia or literal suicide. This, I agree with this, that in context of somebody accessing assisted dying services, the word "suicide" should be avoided.
Great points! Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Words really do have weight, and their meaning can change based on context. While the outcome might be similar, it's definitely important to respect the decision-making process and not rush things. I found your observation about how it's handled in Canada really interesting—I wasn't aware of that, and it's a thought-provoking perspective.
I appreciate your thoughtful response!
Definitely not "unaliving".
Got a majorly good chuckle out of that one. Thanks for that! "They unalived themself" better not make its way into the vernacular but it just might but hopefull well after my existence ends and I don't need to endure hearing it. Cross my fingers and toes for that being the case.
All around well done folks; really awesome responses!!
Very much enjoying the discussion and lots of well thought out, meaningfully, all equally valid & on point things brought up. You all never cease to amaze me with your badassness! There is absolutely no right or wrong approach and I truly value each and every response on this topic to shed light on the different viewpoints and thought processes to it!
