I`m not going to pass away

I am intrigued to know how those of you that say you will die are going to ensure that you haven't passed/passed away/passed over after your deaths?!
Personally,however family and friends choose to describe my death is OK with me.I won't be around to hear it and they will be the ones who need to find a comfortable way of describing it.

I don't like euphemisms either. When I die I will die nothing else. Euphemisms are used I presume to make happenings more palatable but if the 'real' world describes what has happened then use it. Mind you I do use euphemisms for the toilet eg loo! But 'toilet' developed from a different usage too! All very confusing.

I don't see the problem but different people have different reactions.To me i see he passed as passing through this life and it's just analternative to saying he died.its an Americanism to say he passed but It's also easier for some than saying the death word.

Oh Anniebach.. I hope you have not been upset by all these comments. You have suffered so much. No matter what I think I would never correct anyone who is talking about their own "loss" or the "passing" of someone close. This has made me think that people can talk about their own experiences in whichever way helps them cope x

I can cope with 'passed away,' but just saying someone has 'passed' really gets me , don't know why it just doesn't sound right. I always feel like saying passed ? passed where ? I agree with others prefering to hear or use the words died or dead .

I think that people say 'sorry for your loss' when they know the bereaved person but not the person who has died.
I agree with you annie
The death of those we love is a great loss.

I too hate 'passed away' wherever it came from. I use it if the bereaved person does, which means I am using it more and more, and I feel it's not my place (indeed, could be unkind) to tell them what term to use!

I don't mind 'bowel' and 'womb' as these are old, plain English terms instead of the Latin.

I do understand the use of the term 'loss' which can feel quite accurate as beautifully described by Anniebach, but am careful about using it - it can be not only confusing but actually distressing for children.

Please don't associate all coyness with Americanisms. Both "passed away" and "passed" originate with medieval Judaism, not America. It's more commonly used in the U.S. because, well, there's a much larger Jewish community there than in the U.K., and the usage spread. That said, I dislike most euphemisms as well. I really hate medical euphemisms - "bowel" instead of "colon", or "womb" instead of "uterus". You don't hear those in the States - those old terms are long gone. Is it really that hard for children to learn the proper names for body parts? "Falling pregnant" is not used in the U.S. at all, and I think that's a ridiculous term as well.

I have recently had this very conversation with eldest son............he was very anti my ever being dead and felt somehow that talking about my passying away was nicer.

I am a very big gir to pass away like some feeling faint Victorian maiden (not a maiden either by a long way) there is nothing wrong with being dead.

I have also arranged what the kids call 'mum's click and colect funeral' I don't want anybody there, no flowers, no words, no naff poetry............

And it's paid for.............

I too hate 'sorry for your loss'. I also can't stand people talking about going to the 'crem' which I hear frequently. Does it make it sound better - it's the crematorium for goodness sake!

When my husband died I lost my husband, best friend, lover, companion , his arms comforting me, his awful jokes which brought laughter, yes I lost so much .

I hate it when people say "Sorry for your loss." .....I haven't lost anything !

My mum always corrects me when I say passed away - he/she has died, she hollers!! I just thought itt was a softer way of saying it instead of saying that someone is dead. I think I'll revise that now.

I think it makes some feel superior in some odd way, cruel way to boosts one's sense of superiority .

I really find this thread and the mocking brutal.

My two babies died, if I choose to say they passed away it would be amusing for some or cause some to scream at my post - they died .

Hardly the most tactful of threads, given a sister who had just passed away!

I do agree ... years ago I remember being shown a picture of someone who I was told they had "lost". I was not concentrating very well but did manage not to say say that was a bit careless.

I do not want to be "lost" or to "pass on." When the time comes - hopefully not for a while longer - I will die.

Do you think it is only the boring old farts who make such issues about phrases or words in common usage?

I am another one who does not like the many euphemisms for dying and shout at the radio and television when I hear them used.

How about 'gone to the other side'? That opens up all sorts of adventurous possibilities, and I can think of several people 'gone before' who I sincerely hope I shan't meet there!

So true cherry

I have noticed the word "passed" being used now and thought aha this is one of those annoying new terms that have crept in. Passed away has been around for a while, doesn't bother me that much but I would opt for died.

On the subject of euphemisms per se, I don't like "on her monthlies" for period, or when referring to becoming pregnant "when I fell for" Maybe rather unfairly, I always think coyness emanates from America the land of the "restroom" a public space designated for bodily functions but dressed up as something else altogether.

Whether we die, pass away or just pass is one of the many things over which we have no control. The term will be used by those who remain and, by then, we leavers will neither know nor care.

Always look on the bright side of life ...

Amen to that Cherry

I am hoping to pass through the pearly gates.

There is a thread in bereavement site using the term.
I think we should show some respect to the bereaved person and let let them use whatever they feel comfortable with.

Yes, I'm going to die too!! (Hopefully not just yet though )