Quote:
Originally Posted by Moejoe
File-sharing is not a euphemism, it describes exactly the process of what happens. Files are shared, that's it, it's the most apt description available. Here's a handy pictoral guide to it:
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Euphemism: A euphemism is a substitution of an agreeable or less offensive expression in place of one that may offend or suggest something unpleasant to the listener.
File sharing is not really sharing at all, it is copying, as your picture clearly shows. If I share something with you, I willingly give it to you. In the case of a "copyable" thing(think idea for example) the definitive distinction between "sharing" and "copying" is that I willingly give it to you for you to use. If I have not done that, then you have copied me, not shared in my idea. Piracy is a bit harsh I agree. "File Copying", would be the words that describes exactly the process of what happens though.
So why not use the words "file copying"? Could it be because that is a little less palatable? Makes it feel that little bit "wrong"?
So yes, it is a euphemism.
Cheers,
PKFFW