Words and terms often have double meanings, it's true. We frequently use our language to hide what we really want to say.
This week on "The Ron James Show," Canadian comedian Ron James explores this evolution of human communication -- including how we've reverted from talking on the phone to text messaging, a step back in time to our ancestors writing letters.
We're also very adept nowadays at using double-speak: "This is how we get 'downsizing' instead of 'mass layoffs,' 'climate change' instead of 'global warming,' or 'bacon double cheeseburger' instead of 'heart attack sandwich,'" quips James.
His favourite term, however, is "clean coal."
"Yeah, you can still get black lung, but your breath will smell minty fresh!"
Luckily we have James to wade through the muck for us -- check out the season finale this Wednesday on CBC at 8:30 p.m. ET.
For more on Ron James, go to CBC, visit his Facebook page or follow him on Twitter.