"Euphemism treadmill" [1] is a real problem when medical terminology enters common circulation. Various medical terms have shifted into insult or slur territory

"Euphemism treadmill" [1] is a real problem when medical terminology enters common circulation. Various medical terms have shifted into insult or slur territory over the years - a risky example being "mentally retarded". Note it started as a polite expression used in stead of earlier expressions that already fell victim to euphemism treadmill - and now is understood as an insult. "Handicapped" is an example that went from polite ersatz word to bordering on insulting in our lifetimes. [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euphemism#Euphemism_treadmill https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euphemism#Euphemism_treadmill