A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” - Shakespeare in Romeo and Juliet
A reader had sent in this query: “People are not comfortable using the word pregnant. What are different ways of announcing one’s pregnancy or someone is pregnant?”
People are uncomfortable using certain direct words and phrases that refer to sexuality and reproduction. They substitute such words with euphemisms which can be defined as mild words or expressions substituted for the ones considered to be offensive when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing. Why should there be euphemisms for pregnancy related terms? Are pregnant and pregnancy unpleasant or embarrassing terms? Why are people reluctant to use these terms? Though most modern women view the term ‘pregnancy’ positively, they seem to be comfortable using pregnancy related euphemisms. Look at this conversation between two women:
A: Haven’t seen Ritu for a long time. Is she on leave?
B: Yes. She has been on leave for over a month. She has taken a break for a year.
A: Really? What happened to her?
B: She has a bun in the oven.
A: Bun in the oven? What do you mean?
B: She is in the family way.
A: That’s good news. Lemme call and congratulate her.
In the expression ‘to have a bun in the oven’, ‘bun’ refers to baby and ‘oven’ refers to womb. The expression was first used in 1951 by Nicholas in
Monsarrat’s Cruel Sea:
“I bet you left a bun in the oven, both of you,’ said Bennett thickly... Lockhart explained ... the reference to pregnancy.”
There are many pregnancy related euphemisms in all varieties of English. The one common euphemism that is used in India is ‘to be in the family way’. This expression that has been used in British English since 1700 was once popular but now it is falling out of favour. Why is it not popular with modern women? It stereotypes the role of women.
Another euphemism that is widely used in the media is ‘baby bump’. Any mama-to-be should be proud of her baby bump. Progressive women consider ‘baby bump’ as an offensive term as it objectifies a woman by focusing on her anatomy.
The other expressions that are used to announce someone’s pregnancy are: expecting, carrying a child, up the duff, to eat for two now. The colloquial term up the duff is used to imply that a woman’s pregnancy is unplanned or unwanted. Look at these examples:
The pop singer is expecting her second child
My cousin is carrying twins
She had to discontinue her studies as she is up the duff Mary is eating for two now
Euphemisms should be avoided in formal reports and academic writing. Using euphemisms doesn’t show one’s politeness or decency but reveals their dishonesty and hypocrisy.