Slang and other types of expressions often change throughout the years. However, now vegans are asking people to stop using meat-related phrases and one scholar discussed this in a blog post. Shareena Z. Hamzah, a Postdoctoral Researcher at Swansea University wrote an article called “How the rise of veganism may tenderise fictional language”.
Hamzah discusses that for a long time, meat has been the most important part of a meal and in the old days, being able to eat meat was a sign of being wealthy. Meat has long been a controversial topic, whether you realized it or not.
Why Are Meat-Related Phrases So Controversial?
Think about it. Meat can relate to climate change, health, and animal rights, all of which are very hot topics in our country right now and invite in lots of debate. So, what are some of the phrases that Hamzah predicts might fall by the wayside? “Killing two birds with one stone”, “bringing home the bacon”, “your goose is cooked”, and “chopped liver”. Can you think of any more?
Essentially, Hamzah predicts that as our culture becomes more open to the idea of veganism, these phrases might go away naturally, without a huge issue. After Hamzah’s article came out, PETA responded. They have long been known to these phrases and promote more “animal-friendly idioms” instead.
Here’s What PETA Has To Say
According to People, PETA said, “Words matter, and as our understanding of social justice evolves, our language evolves along with it. Just as it became unacceptable to use racist, homophobic, or ableist language, phrases that trivialize cruelty to animals will vanish as more people begin to appreciate animals for who they are and start ‘bringing home the bagels’ instead of the bacon.”
This doesn’t mean that all vegans or vegetarians agree that we should stop using these phrases. For example, Hamzah writes in her article that even some vegetarian burgers are made to look like they bleed as you cook them. Of course, there are always people that are more sensitive than others to different phrases and topics.
What’s Your Take On This Issue?
Do you think we should stop saying these meat-related phrases or do you wish vegans would stop whining?
If you found this article interesting, please SHARE with your friends and start a discussion about whether or not you will continue to say “bringing home the bacon” and other phrases!