I work with a Japanese girl, Yumi, at my job, and we had a customer today that refered to his recently deceased wife, as his "late wife". Yumi Asked what late meant and I told her passed away/ or dead. Then I got to thinking... ...Why do we say late?? I understand the definition, but how did it get started? If you don't know please don't waste my time by answering. If you do know thanks in advance for making me just a little bit smarter!! Please don't put any links for an answer, I can't get to them. Just copy and paste the information if you don't want to type it all out!!
2007-01-30 13:54:54 · 11 answers · asked by mizbehavingirl 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
It comes from an older usage of the word late meaning "recently but no longer". It's usually used to refer to a person who passed away in recent times.
2007-01-30 13:59:22 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It all has to do with "being politically correct" People generally shy away from certain words because others will consider it offensive..."of late" is generally used when referencing some one who just recently "passed away" or when referencing things done by the concerned...
2007-01-30 14:26:59 · answer #2 · answered by raqandre 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I was told that it is because in previous centuries the men were named after each other (Jr., Sr.. III, etc.). If the Sr. had passed away and they were referring to him as being late to avoid confusion for the one that was living with the same name...
2007-01-30 14:04:52 · answer #3 · answered by Deb 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think sometimes using the word dead can make people sound uncomfortable. My mom calls my dad her late husband when referring to him. Imagine "I went there with my dead husband a couple of years ago" . If you insert late in there it sounds much better. I think it's a big comfort thing.
2007-01-30 14:03:40 · answer #4 · answered by Lindser 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
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2016-12-16 17:23:54 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because it lessons the pain and heartache. Its like an easier and less offensive term or word used. George Carlin made a good comment about this and PTSD and Shell Shock.
2007-01-30 14:03:47 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't sound as harsh or final especially when you are talking about a close loved one, plus when you're dead your always later for the party.
2007-01-30 14:05:40 · answer #7 · answered by RUDOLPH M 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
beats bought the farm..or kicked the bucket..or pushing up daisies
2007-01-30 13:58:59 · answer #8 · answered by LeRoy J 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's just an expression. I don't know the origin.
2007-01-30 13:57:48 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Kind of like Castro. He is reported to be in "grave" condition.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16642456/
I guess he is in a "condition" that is suitable to be immediately placed into a grave.
2007-01-30 14:01:28 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋