Bother Quote by George Carlin
“Why do they bother saying "raw sewage"? Do some people actually cook that stuff?”
About This Quote
Source Stand‑up: Jammin' with George, 1990
The phrase “raw sewage” is absurd; it highlights how language can mask unpleasant realities with euphemisms.
In simple terms: We use euphemisms to soften harsh truths.
Key Takeaway
Question the language you hear.
Themes
language
humor
social critique
Mood
sarcastic
critical
Type
satirical
observational
When to use this quote
- public discourse
- advertising
- political speech
- daily conversation
Key Concepts
linguistics
media studies
Questions to Reflect On
- What terms hide uncomfortable facts?
- When does softened language help?
A Different Perspective
Euphemisms can also protect sensitivities; not always negative.
![“It turns out - this is a metaphor out of [Charles] Dickens - that the raw sewage emptied into the Anacostia comes from the Federal Triangle. I have a sewer map, and on it you can see the pipe from which congressional wastes empty into the river that then flows through the black neighborhoods of…” quote by Robert Hass](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c2b/robert-hass-3548_black_it-turns-out-this-is-a-metaphor-out-of-c_979013.jpg)
![“When we were walking through the narrow alleys [of the Mathare Valley slums], it was literally impossible not to step in the raw sewage and the garbage alongside the little homes. But at the same time it was also impossible not to see the human vitality, the aspiration and the ambition of the…” quote by Jacqueline Novogratz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4be/jacqueline-novogratz-2383_activism_when-we-were-walking-through-the-narrow_821415.jpg)
![“Brad [Dourif] would tell himself that he was not intentionally trying to mimic Jack Nicholson in any way. I think that actually bothers him a little bit. I just think maybe they have similar voices.” quote by David Kirschner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cfe/david-kirschner-22403_bits_brad-dourif-would-tell-himself-that-he-w_478.jpg)
