SIR – In the interest of accuracy and honesty, would it be possible to not use words such as ‘joyride’ when what is meant is ‘thieve’ or ‘steal’.
I understand that English is a living language and grows organically, but euphemisms that diminish the harm done to the victims of crime and provide glamorous status to the lawbreaking perpetrators and their admirers should not be given credibility in a decent publication.
In this case, I refer to the front page headline of February 17. I guess that it was an accurate quotation, illustrating the effect that avoidance of harsh-sounding words can have.
When people are labelled ‘joyriders’ instead of ‘thieves’, it may be mistakenly believed that there is little need for correction.
John Rhodes, Marchwood Grove, Clayton, Bradford
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