The Many Ways We Talk about Death
Photo by Shubham Dhage on Unsplash.
The more uncomfortable we are with a subject, the more likely we are to tend to talk around it rather than to address it directly. That helps to explain why we have roughly 300 ways to talk about death in the English language. Here is a robust, but not complete, list of many of the sayings we use to refer to death categorized into major themes. As you can see, some are far more respectful than others, which goes to show that the more we distance ourselves from death in our language, the less respectful our language often becomes.
Many people believe these euphemisms help to soften the blow through comforting phrases that evoke gentle and beautiful imagery, particularly those with religious undertones. Much of my mission is to normalize talking about dying, death, and grief, so I advocate against using euphemisms. Instead, I promote the use of clear, simple, straightforward language. If you prefer to use euphemistic language, please be mindful of the content before using some of these phrases to avoid hurting someone’s feelings.
They’re “Better Off”-Themed Euphemisms
They’ve ended all their cares // worries.
They’re no longer feeling any pain.
They’re out of their misery.
They’re in a better place.
Arts-Themed Euphemisms
They sang their swan song.
They’ve danced their last dance.
They took their final curtain call // bow.
They quit the stage.
They’ve written their final chapter.
They’re permanently out of print.
That was all she wrote.
Exit/Action-Themed Euphemisms
They’ve exited.
They left this life // this world // us.
They’ve departed // gone // slipped away.
They’ve left the building.
They’ve left this world.
They got a one-way ticket.
They’re crossing the River Styx.
They’ve gone to the wall.
They’ve gone to the mansion in the sky.
They’ve crossed the rainbow bridge.
They moved to the great beyond.
They have transcended.
They rode into the sunset.
Their race is finished // won.
They reached the finish line.
They passed beyond the veil.
They slipped away.
They called it quits.
They slipped their moorings.
They gave up the ghost.
They won one for the reaper.
They’re past their sell-by date.
Earth/Nature-Themed Euphemisms
They’re six feet under.
They’re in the grave.
They’re pushing up daisies.
They’re taking a dirt nap.
They’re worm food.
They’ve gone into the fertilizer business.
They ended their earthly career.
They’ve been returned to the Earth.
They’ve returned to dust.
They bit the dust.
They’re unground.
Their last spring has sprung.
They’re downstairs.
They’re down below.
They’ve dropped their bodily form.
They’re in Davy Jones’ locker.
They’ve been put out to pasture.
They’ve fallen off their perch.
Spirituality-Themed Euphemisms
They’re with Jesus // with the Lord.
They were called home // back to God.
They’re asleep with Christ.
They went to be with the Angels.
They’re in Heaven.
They entered into eternity.
They’re at the pearly gates.
They joined the choir eternal // invisible.
They joined the congregation of the dead.
They’re experiencing their eternal Sabbath.
They’ve entered into Glory.
They got their wings.
They’re watching over us.
They’re smiling down on us.
They met their maker.
Their spirit is gone.
They’ve found everlasting peace.
They are at rest // entered eternal rest // are resting in peace // have been laid to rest.
They’re with the Big Guy upstairs.
They’re pushing clouds.
They went the way of all flesh.
They shuffled off this mortal coil.
They’ve crossed over.
They’ve left this earthly world.
Relational-Themed Euphemisms
They’re no longer with us.
They joined their ancestors.
They’re not with us anymore.
They live on/only in our hearts.
They’ll always be a part of us.
They’ve been taken from us.
Body-Themed Euphemisms
They went home in a box.
They’ve gone cold.
They’re toes up.
They’re belly up.
They’re a stiff // stiff as a board.
They’re wearing a toe tag.
They withered away.
They breathed their last (breath).
They’ve gone to sleep.
They’re taking the big nap.
They’re in repose.
They’re lifeless.
They are deceased.
They ceased living.
They expired.
They’re bereft of life.
Combat-Themed Euphemisms
They fell victim to [cause of death].
They lost the battle with [cause of death].
They made the ultimate sacrifice.
They were cut down (in the prime of life).
They lost their life.
They perished.
They laid down their life.
They succumbed (to [cause of death]).
They’ve fallen.
They fought the good fight.
They perished.
They’ve gone extinct.
They met an untimely end.
They’ve met their demise/end.
They didn't make it.
They were a goner.
Murder/Trauma-Themed Euphemisms
They were rubbed out.
They’ve been liquidated.
They were offed.
They’ve popped off.
They were bumped off.
They croaked.
They were whacked.
They got smoked.
They were snuffed out.
They were done away with.
They were dispatched.
They were done in.
They’ve been liquidated.
They were iced.
They’re sleeping with the fishes.
They’re wearing with concrete shoes.
They’ve been put down.
They’ve been erased.
They came to a (sticky) end.
They ate it.
They’re kaput.
Common/Often Used Euphemisms
They passed // passed on // passed away.
They bought the farm.
They pulled the plug.
They kicked the bucket.
Their number was up.
They bit the big one.
Their time was up.
They cashed in their chips.
They are no more.
Their tab was called.