No More "Used Cars"

Clothing that had changed hands was “second-hand clothing” or, in a family, “hand me downs.”

Not anymore. Apparently, in our consumer society, thrift is still practiced, but admitting to it is not cool.

Old clothes are now sold in “consignment shops,” not “second-hand stores.”

“Used” cars are advertised as “previously owned.” but now even that euphemism may be on its way out. This week I received an advertising mailer offering deals on “reprocessed cars.”

At first I thought the printer had made a mistake for “repossessed.” Apparently the company sending the mailer anticipated such a reaction because a definition was thoughtfully provided:

Reprocessed Vehicle (noun) A late model pre-owned vehicle that has undergone a 27-point interior and exterior mechanical and safety inspection and conditioning and has been warranted for reliability.

British writer David Rowan offers several more euphemisms for the embarrassing word “used” : pre-enjoyed, previously cared for, and experienced.