It Takes Two To Make Euphemisms Work

Must we be so blunt?:

An experienced surgeon who told a severely obese patient she was "going on a f***ing diet" has been reprimanded over his foul mouth and for removing the patient from a waiting list after she complained.

...The 44-year-old Maori patient saw the surgeon last April after she had repeatedly failed at dieting.

When she said she preferred the word "lifestyle" to "diet", the doctor told her she was "bullshitting" herself and was "going on a f***ing diet".

...The DHB's medical director said although the doctor had a foul mouth under stress and could be "direct and coarse" with patients, he was highly qualified and severe penalties would be a "terrible shame".

...Mr Paterson recommended the doctor undertake a course in communication skills course and meet with the woman to address her concerns.