Euphemisms for Death

Posted by Bob on February 28, 2002

In Reply to: Regional Euphamisms for Death posted by Word Camel on February 28, 2002

: When my great grandfather was a cowboy. On his death bed, he held my grandfather's hand and said "I'm going over the Big Ridge. Look after your mama." I doubt the euphamism was his invention, I think it was probably just what they called it at the time - at least on the high plains in the United States. It's an apt metaphor for that part of the country.

: Anyway, I got to wondering if there were other regional euphamisms for death or dying. Somthing along the lines of "I'll be sleeping with the 'gators" for Florida maybe?

: And while I'm packing them in, another euphamism I like is "pushing up daisies". I think it's British but I'd be interested in its origin if anyone knows it.

Aquick review of the Dead Parrott sketch would yield quite a few. "Joined the choir invisible" being my favorite.

• Euphemisms for Death Bob 02/28/02