Performance evaluation euphemisms invading everyday speech (ironically)

Raymond Chen

There was a morning meeting event at which donuts were provided as an enticement. Someone commented on the food thus: “These donuts failed to meet expectations.”

Peter Sagal remarked that the phrase “emerging to standard” has entered currency in his family as a euphemism for “substandard”. (Opening panel round, final question, time code 1:20.) However, the proposal to replace “failed” with “deferred success” was ultimately defeated.

Raymond Chen

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