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Casebook of the Language Police:
3. Clichés of the Early 21 Century
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Some of these locutions are not simply euphemism, dysphemism
or “newspeak” (Orwell), nor is their concoction original to this
era. They are contemporary bureaucratic neophemism: not
intended to make one’s meaning seem better or worse, but to
avoid, almost legalistically (with the gloss of officialdom and
seriousness), saying the wrong thing: something for which one
could be faulted. Many are uttered by people who are subject to
lawsuits or prosecution if they cannot (a) equivocate and/or (b)
obfuscate. Where is Ambrose Bierce when we need him? Or
Samuel Johnson, for that matter?
Abundance of caution Enough to be blameless, either by
adhering to policy or exhibiting a possibly incautious excess.
Accountability Responsibility to be determined by anonymous
moral accountants and legal loopholers.
Actual As distinguished from “virtual” in the internet era; now in
the same jeopardy as literally.
Administrative leave Status conferred by employer seeking to
avoid liability for employee’s purported activities.
All about Something or someone’s prime directive—at the time
it is stated.
Assault rifle/Automatic weapon Portable machine gun.
Back in the day Earlier than anything currently recognizable as
worthwhile.
Baked in Inherent, or so perceived superficially.
Based in Resides in, but will travel anywhere for a job; see
works from home.