In every language there seem to be certain "unmentionables" — words of such strong implications that they cannot be used in polite speech. In English, the first of these to come to mind are, of course, words dealing with the function of the human body. We ask movie ushers and filling-station attendants where the "lounge" or "rest room" is, although we usually have no intention of lounging or resting. "Powder room" is another euphemism for the same facility, also known as "toilet," which itself is an earlier euphemism. Indeed, it is impossible in polite society to state, without having to resort to baby talk or a medical vocabulary, what a "rest room" is for. (It is "where you wash your hands.") Another term is "John." There is now a book on the best "Johns" in New York. Money is another subject about which people hesitate to talk in communication. It is all right to mention sums of money, such as $10,000 or $2.5. But it is considered in bad taste to inquire directly into other people's financial affairs, unless such an inquiry is really necessary in the course of business. When creditors send bills, they almost never mention money, although that is what they are writing about. There are many roundabout ways of expression: "We beg to call your attention to what might be an oversight on your part." "We would appreciate your early attention to this matter." "May we look forward to an early remittance?" The fear of death carries over, quite understandably in view of the widespread confusion of symbols with things symbolized, into fear of the words having to do with death. Many people, therefore, instead of saying "died," substitute such expressions as "passed away," "went to his reward," and "departed."