Within a Concealed Claim, the argument can be a slanter, or a loaded question; or it can make it sound nasty or nice. It can also can downplay or up-play the argument or the players. I rather like the explanation of how it can make an argument or player sound nasty or nice, from the book. It reminds me a lot of politicians and their play with words to either win our hearts or blind us from the truth. Or sometimes, to either soften what they want to be soften in their favor. I realize this might be a strong sense of opinion in my part, but it is how i perceive it. Making it sound nasty or nice is a form where one uses either one of these styles, euphemism and dysphemism.
Euphemism - by definition, from the book, is a word or phrase that makes something sound better than its original description or claim.
Dysphemism - by definition, from the book, is a word or phrase that makes something sound worse than its original description or claim.
When I was little, my family had a family friend whose daughter was crazy, due to lots of drug abuse. We all knew that she was crazy or there was something wrong with her. One time, I remember one of my aunts gossiping about their family, and they were talking about how they feel sorry the family because they had a crazy child. But, instead of using the word crazy, the re-phrased it. They said,"How unfortunate that the family had a 'Special' child. Poor thing, there is something wrong with her head." - This I believe, will suffice as a euphemism.
An acquaintance I knew, was very peculiar in his manners and characteristics. There wasn't anything wrong with him per-say, he just has a lack of socializing skills. He is blunt, can be abrupt, and speaks very little, unless needed. But, in all a gentle human being. This did not fit well with one of my female friends (She is a much older lady friend). I had heard her says, "Oh, that man is a brute of a man. He is rude, cocky, and has such ugly manners.Very mean, he is. I'm sure if could rip your heart out with his glare, he would! " - This is an example of a Dysphemism.
I agree with you about the Dysphemism. To be trite, you can't tell a book from its cover.
ReplyDeleteEach person I've really gotten to know has hidden depths, things that are special. Often, it takes time to find out what those jewels are. They are precious and need to be treated with care.
Everyone has an image they project. For some, it's by choice. They want to appear a certain way. For other's the physical image or attitue creates expectation. These expectations may involve intelligence, cultural background, or 'cooth'.
Behind the image is the person. Perhaps unfortunately, society rewards those who have good presentation. Those who don't are often discredited.