With an increase of vegans in society, it seems that common phrases people have been saying for centuries may no longer be allowed… Saying things like “bring home the bacon” and “put all your eggs in one basket” are deemed offensive to vegans and vegetarians. They want them replaced with things like, “bring home the bagels”.
Considering these are historical sayings that actually have MEANING, it all seems a little silly to most (including this writer). Don’t kill two birds with one stone, take the bull by the horns – and you better not let the cat out of the bag.
Reports say that as research shows more people are removing animal products from their diets than ever before, Shareena Hamzah of Swansea University says idioms involving animal products could be rendered obsolete because they are out of touch with the zeitgeist.
In The Conversation, the researcher explains how meat-based metaphors are a popular staple of our everyday vernacular but that an increased awareness in the environmental and ethical issues surrounding meat production “will undoubtedly be reflected in our language and literature” and that this language may no longer be so widely accepted.
“In today’s reality, meat is repeatedly the subject of much socially and politically charged discussion, including about how the demand for meat is contributing to climate change and environmental degradation,” she continues.
“Given that fiction often reflects on real world events and societal issues, it may very well be that down the line powerful meat metaphors are eschewed.
“The increased awareness of vegan issues will filter through consciousness to produce new modes of expression.”
Hamzah highlights the violent imagery proposed by popular idioms such as “flogging a dead horse” and “killing two birds with one stone” and suggests we may move to kinder alternatives such as “feeding a fed horse” or “feeding two birds with one scone”.
Animal rights organisation PETA has been campaigning for more vegan and vegetarian-friendly idioms for years, urging teachers not to use phrases that perpetuate violence towards animals…
How far, is too far?
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