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!
Please tell me this is satire. If it isn’t then god help the world because everyone wants to be butthurt over something, telling others how to live. This is beyond ridiculous.
Stop being so “damned oversensitive” as my father used to say. And he sang this to Mom regularly.
I am confused vegartarian means you consume only vegetables milk and eggs are not vegetables why are there vegans???? You’re either a vegetarian or you’re not Get your head straight before you try to change the world with stupid shit there are bigger issues that need to be discussed and dealt with
I am vegan, though not by choice – it’s a serious medical issue for me. However, I believe many of the vegan extremists are going too far by trying to force their beliefs and choices on others. Yes, I love animals and all of nature. And I believe that every creation on this earth exists to nurture and support each other. And I don’t like the mass production processes used to raise animals for food. But if it is wrong to eat animals, why do some animals eat other animals? Why do some plants consume animals? Besides, with the urbanization everywhere, our plants are reducing in number while the population continues to grow. And the pesticides and other growth-control products being used on plants is affecting plants regarding safety for consumption and contributing to new health issues. Eat what you want, but please respect the rights of others regarding what they choose to eat.
Oh please….give your efforts to all those people who have nobody bringing anything home to them rather than worrying about bacon and birds in our marvellously historic and expressive language.
Some people just need to grow up! “bringing home the bagels” would offend me a lot.